Texas Senate RAMS Through New GOP-Drawn U.S. House Maps — Democrats WALK OUT in Protest

By The Blogging HoundsThe Republican-controlled Texas Senate officially passed a new congressional redistricting map today despite a dramatic walkout by nine of the 11 Senate Democrats, who left the chamber nearly empty in protest. The Republican majority pressed ahead with the vote, passing the map 19–2 strictly along party lines. This new map is designed…

By The Blogging Hounds
The Republican-controlled Texas Senate officially passed a new congressional redistricting map today despite a dramatic walkout by nine of the 11 Senate Democrats, who left the chamber nearly empty in protest. The Republican majority pressed ahead with the vote, passing the map 19–2 strictly along party lines. This new map is designed to carve out up to five new Republican-drawn U.S. House seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The Senate Democrat Caucus blasted the effort as nothing more than political gerrymandering, saying, “This mid-decade redistricting isn’t about fair representation—it’s about politicians picking their voters instead of voters choosing their leaders. And it doesn’t stop here. If they can gerrymander now, they can and will do it before every election.” They added, “That’s why we walked out – because this session should only be about flood relief, and we refuse to engage in a corrupt process.” The caucus insisted that “when the system is being rigged to steal political power and ignore the needs of flood survivors, extraordinary measures are necessary. Our House colleagues are standing up for democracy, for the rule of law and for the millions of Texans who deserve to have their voices heard.” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), who presides over the Senate, issued a defiant statement Tuesday: “Today, the Texas Senate passed the new congressional map, including 5 new Republican majority districts. The Texas Senate will continue passing this map each legislative session to accurately reflect our state until House Democrats return from their ‘vacation’ and get back to work for the people of Texas.” The map now moves to the Texas House for consideration. Meanwhile, more than 60 House Democrats, including at least 50 members, remain out of state, having fled to cities like Chicago, New York, and Boston in an attempt to deny the Texas House a quorum and stall legislative business. Governor Greg Abbott remains unfazed by the Democrats’ walkout, announcing that if they fail to return by the August 19 special session deadline, he will immediately call a second special session and more thereafter until the map and other GOP priorities are passed. Abbott tweeted, “Democrats can run to another state, but they can’t outrun the will of Texans. If there’s no quorum Friday, Special Session #2 will start immediately after Sine Die. Same agenda, with potential to add more. I’ll call special after special until the Texas first agenda is passed.” This ongoing standoff highlights the deep partisan divide over redistricting in Texas, with Republicans pushing to solidify electoral advantages while Democrats fight back against what they call an undemocratic power grab. The battle will continue to dominate Texas politics as the state prepares for the next crucial election cycle.

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