Texas House Democrats seem to be trying to frame their return to Texas as a triumph, but it’s quite evident that their attempts to thwart the Republicans in establishing new Congressional boundaries have fallen short.
On Wednesday, Governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas) indicated that the media, especially Glenn Beck, would portray the Republicans as the eventual victors.
Context
Earlier this month, Texas Democrats traveled to Illinois and other Democratic-leaning states, aiming to obstruct a redistricting plan that would bolster GOP chances in the upcoming midterm elections.
After the Democrats’ exodus, Texas Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) issued a warrant for the absence of lawmakers, with support from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI in tracking them down.
Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into organizations linked to George Soros and former Democratic gubernatorial candidates, including Beto O’Rourke, who are suspected of aiding the Democrats’ sudden departure.
Additionally, Paxton is preparing to request a court order to address the absences of these lawmakers.
Under pressure from Texas and the prospect of a harsh winter in exile, these absent legislators reportedly plan to return.
In an effort to maintain their dignity, Texas House Democrats claimed in a statement that they had “killed this corrupt special session on behalf of Texas families—precisely what we aimed to do by leaving the state.”
However, Governor Abbott announced on Tuesday his intention to convene another special session to tackle the issues at hand, as the Texas Senate had just voted 19-2 to approve the new redistricting plan.
“They’ll pass.”
Abbott remarked to Beck that the Democrats now face the reality of participating in the upcoming special session starting either Friday or Saturday, suggesting in a humorous tone, “They must live in places like Illinois or California.”
“There’s so much going on,” he added. “Word on the street is they’re back, but we’ll see when they actually show up.” The governor confidently asserted that the Congressional District Maps would pass, irrespective of whether the Democrats return to work.
Addressing concerns about the necessary votes for the map’s approval, Abbott noted that the Republicans only need a majority, and they hold nearly two-thirds of the seats.
A Response from California
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) issued a veiled warning to Abbott in a letter to President Trump on Monday.
In response, Abbott chuckled and exclaimed, “Oh, my god,” reflecting a light-hearted skepticism towards Newsom’s stance.
“In Texas, it’s straightforward—the governor calls a special session, and if a majority in both houses agree, the Congressional boundaries can be redrawn to ensure Texans can vote for their chosen Republican candidates,” Abbott explained.
Abbott also contrasted this process with California’s, noting that Democrats there would need to navigate a far more complex constitutional process.
Finally, Abbott pointed out that, unlike California—and states like Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts—Texas has ample resources to protect its values and representative votes.
