Texas Democrats Debate Ending Walkout as GOP Plans New Special Session on Redistricting

Texas Democratic lawmakers are holding closed-door discussions over whether to return to the state and end their quorum break in a fight over new congressional district maps.

Three sources close to the caucus told CNN the meeting is focused on weighing how much more can be achieved by continuing to stay out of Texas, with no final decision yet. The move has blocked Republicans from passing a proposed map that could add as many as five GOP seats in the U.S. House.

The deliberations come as Republican leaders signal they plan to end the current special legislative session this Friday and immediately call another one to continue their push. The session is scheduled to conclude August 19, but Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has set a Friday deadline for Democrats to return to meet quorum.

“If and when Texas House Democrats breaking quorum decide to go home is squarely dependent on the actions the Governor, Speaker, and Texas Republicans in charge,” the caucus posted on social media. They also urged prioritizing flood relief over redistricting “that hurts Texans.”

Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed that if the current session ends without action, he will call Special Session #2 the same day, with the same agenda and possibly more items. “There will be no reprieve for the derelict Democrats who fled the state,” Abbott said, vowing to keep calling sessions until his “Texas first agenda” is passed.

Rep. John Bucy said members are “looking at every possible option” and remain willing to return if the governor “puts people over politics.”

The standoff mirrors previous high-profile quorum breaks in Texas politics, with both sides digging in ahead of the Friday deadline.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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