Texas House makes quorum as Republicans press on with redistricting
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Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu speaks to reporters Monday after lawmakers returned to the state. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
The Texas House reached quorum Monday after dozens of Democrats who left the state in protest of a new congressional map returned to Austin.
Why it matters: Texas Republicans are expected to move quickly to pass the map, which could create as many as five additional U.S. House districts favorable to their party before the 2026 midterms.
- Democrats who left the state will be under watch by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The latest: A committee on Monday evening approved the new map and it will go to the full House soon.
- House Speaker Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) said that members not present until Monday, who had arrest warrants issued for them, "will be granted written permission to leave only after agreeing to be released into the custody of a designated DPS officer."
- The officers will ensure the Democrats return, Burrows added.
Catch up quick: Gov. Greg Abbott convened a second special session at noon Friday — immediately after the first adjourned — with the same agenda, including redistricting, plus one new item: legislation to "ensure and enhance" youth camp safety.
- Democrats announced they would be showing up to the second special session, following legal advice "to build a public legislative record" for an expected court battle over the maps — and tying their return to California's counter-redistricting plan to offset GOP gains.
- The proposed map was drawn at President Trump's urging and is an effort to boost GOP chances of retaining control of the U.S. House in the midterm elections.
What they're saying: "Representatives come and go. Issues rise and fall. But this body has endured wars, economic depressions and quorum breaks dating back to the very first session," Burrows said Monday.
- "It will withstand this too, and what will remain is a chamber where the majority has the right to prevail, and the minority has the right to be heard," he added.
The other side: Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu said Democrats, who left the state on Aug. 3, knew the maps might still pass — but their walkout aimed to "wake up America," block the first session and spark a broader movement against what he called a racist and unconstitutional gerrymander.
- He added Democrats are ready to make progress on flood relief.
- "We killed the corrupt special session, withstood unprecedented surveillance and intimidation, and rallied Democrats nationwide to join this existential fight for fair representation — reshaping the entire 2026 landscape," Wu said.
- "We're returning to Texas more dangerous to Republicans' plans than when we left."
The big picture: Democrats' move to break quorum by leaving the state sparked a nationwide frenzy and fed into a strategy of maximum retaliation.
Zoom out: The Texas push to redraw districts mid-decade has led other states to pursue the same thing, including Vice President JD Vance pressing Indiana to create more GOP seats.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom said if the Texas plan moves forward, he will seek voter approval to redraw California districts that could flip several Republican seats.
What's next: A House committee hearing on redistricting was scheduled for 5pm Monday.
Go deeper: Abbott moves to dismiss Texas Democrats' "ringleader" from office
Editor's note: This story has been edited to include new information.