Texas Democrats are contemplating a walkout to disrupt the Republican-led initiative to redraw the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Some Democratic lawmakers in Texas are deliberating on breaking quorum during a special legislative session. This move aims to halt the rezoning efforts temporarily, according to various reports. They’ve employed similar tactics in the past, notably back in 2003, to prevent GOP-led district changes by staying away from the Capitol to deprive Congress of the necessary voting numbers.
A quorum requires 100 representatives and 21 senators, but Republicans currently hold 88 seats in the House and 19 in the Senate.
Ron Reynolds, a Democratic state lawmaker, indicated in an interview with the Houston Chronicle that they are always prepared to break quorum to stop the rezoning. He also mentioned that former President Donald Trump wouldn’t be surprised if he called in the National Guard to bring back any Democrats who attempted to break quorum.
Reynolds expressed a sense of urgency, noting, “We know we don’t have the numbers. They can run through us. They’re here to make a Trump bid.” He further remarked on the vitriol they face, implying that such a call from Trump wouldn’t be unexpected.
Amid these developments, Trump has stated his desire for a new congressional map in Texas that could allow Republicans to win five additional seats. He remarked, “I think we’ll get five [congressional seats]… Texas is the biggest.”
Democratic Representative Greg Cassar shared with the Houston Chronicle that the Texas Democrats at the state level need to be ready to utilize all tactics necessary—like delaying votes and marathon hearings—to gain time for the redistricting process.
Governor Greg Abbott signed new political maps into law following the 2020 census, which were used in the 2022 midterm elections. Currently, Democrats hold 12 of Texas’s 38 congressional districts.
The Texas House Democrats last successfully broke quorum during a voting bill attempt in 2021, which ultimately passed despite their efforts to block it.
In a historic 2003 action, a group of Democrats known as “The Killer D’s” fled the state to avoid being compelled back by law enforcement, causing a significant stir at the time. Their efforts to prevent changes to the congressional district lines did not succeed, resulting in a gain of five Republican seats in subsequent elections.
Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton recently stated that should the Democrats attempt to break quorum again, they should “find them wherever they go and be arrested.” He criticized their actions as neglecting their responsibilities and emphasized the need for lawmakers to address important priorities set by the governor.
Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, accused Abbott of using a special session to manipulate the redistricting process. The atmosphere surrounding the impending legislative session remains tense, highlighting the strategic push and pull between the parties in Texas.
