In a dramatic escalation of opposition to redistricting efforts led by Republicans in Texas, the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus have expressed strong support for their House counterparts, who have denied quorum in protest of a proposed congressional map they call “rigged.”
“We applaud our House colleagues for taking courageous action to defend the voting rights of all Texans,” a statement released Sunday by Texas Senate Democratic Caucus read. “They’re using the power they have—and the only tool left to them—to stand up for the Texans they represent and protect the principle of fair elections for all.
READ MORE: Texas Democrats are fundraising to potentially leave the state to block GOP-backed redistricting
The dispute between parties centers on a redistricting plan pushed by Republican leadership during a special session.
Democrats argue the plan disproportionately weakens the political influence of Black and Latino voters while ignoring pressing state issues, including flood relief.
“This push to redraw lines is not only unnecessary,” the Senate Democrats said. “...It completely ignores the real needs and priorities of the people we serve.”
The statement criticized the House for prioritizing redistricting as its first-floor vote of the special session, while failing to consider legislation addressing other issues impacting Texans, such as flooding, healthcare, or the rising cost of living in many areas across the state.
Senate Democrats accused Republicans of redrawing districts to protect political allies and shield themselves from accountability after voting to cut critical social programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy.
“We should be singularly focused this special session on flood relief, not redrawing maps to save a president from voters holding him accountable,” the statement continued.
The House walkout, designed to deny the chamber the quorum needed to conduct business, is a rare but not unprecedented move in Texas politics.
A LOOK BACK: A look back at when Texas House Democrats walked out in 2021 to block GOP voting bill
Senate Democrats acknowledged the seriousness of the tactic but defended it as a necessary act of civil resistance against what they called a rigged system.
“Breaking quorum is never done lightly. But when the system is being rigged to steal political power and ignore the needs of flood survivors, extraordinary measures are necessary.”
The redistricting fight is expected to intensify in the coming days as Republicans push to advance the map while Democrats rally public support and attempt to stall the process.
