Texas Democrats say they will do whatever it takes to stop redistricting, but one expert is unsure if the Democrats’ holdout will last.
HOUSTON — Some Texas Democrats, including lawmakers from the Houston area, are breaking quorum over the proposed redistricting.
This week, the Texas Legislature was set to vote on new congressional maps that were voted out of committee on Saturday. But no quorum means no vote — for now.
Republicans are hoping the new congressional maps could give them five additional seats. Democrats who could be losing those districts tell KHOU 11 News this was their only option.
Texas House Democrats opposed to the plan took off for Chicago on Sunday, including Rep. Ron Reynolds, who represents Missouri City.
“We saw that this was the only option that we have at the present moment to fight back, to help save our democracy,” Rep. Reynolds told KHOU 11.
Other lawmakers from the Houston area in Chicago include Rep. Ann Johnson, Rep. Jon Rosenthal and Rep. Gene Wu. Lawmakers are also in Albany and Boston speaking to elected leaders there.
Because the quorum is broken, the Texas Legislature can’t advance the redistricting proposal or any of the 18 items on the special session agenda.
The move is being criticized by Republican lawmakers, including Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, who said on X “all options will be on the table” if a quorum isn’t present Monday.
“I think this is widely anticipated,” said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University. He said democrats have broken quorum before.
“The most likely scenario is that what this quorum break will do is delay the process, put a spotlight on Texas Republican efforts to engage this mid-cycle redistricting, but eventually not stop the overall passage of the bill,” Jones said.
He said that will happen unless Democrats delay the vote through November, past the filing deadline for 2026 primaries.
Reynolds and others in Houston are opposed to the drawing of new maps.
“They drew a map that had five Republican new seats, and dismantled black and brown communities, so what we’re doing is taking a bold stand and saying not on our watch,” Rep. Reynolds said.
If Democrats are out long, Governor Greg Abbott could call a second or third special session to get the bill passed.
Democrats will face fines — though Reynolds said they have their party’s support.