One of the Democrats who broke quorum said their focus is on raising awareness on the proposed new maps. Governor Greg Abbott is willing to wait to approve them.
HOUSTON — Even after a week has passed — Texas House Democrats don’t plan on returning from their quorum break.
It’s stalling the approval of new congressional maps, which could give Republicans five seats in Congress.
One of the Democrats who broke quorum said their focus is on raising awareness of the proposed new maps.
Governor Greg Abbott, who has filed lawsuits against democrats who fled the state, is willing to wait to approve the maps.
Across the country, Texas House democrats have one goal.
“For the next nine days, we are solidly focused on running out the clock this special session,” Rep. Ron Reynolds of Missouri City said.
He broke quorum with his colleagues and flew to Chicago last week. House Democrats have also flown to New York and Massachusetts, gathering party allies for several rallies.
The Republican-controlled legislature is proposing to change congressional district maps, which will impact Houston’s representation. Democrats claim the new maps are racially gerrymandered.
Rep. Reynolds says he would return to discuss flood relief and disaster preparedness, but redistricting is a priority for Governor Greg Abbott.
“This could literally last years because in Texas, I’m authorized to call a special session every 30 days, and it lasts 30 days. As soon as this one is over, I’m going to call another one, then another one, then another one,” Gov. Abbott told Fox News on Sunday.
Democrats in the Texas Senate, which could vote on the maps as early as Tuesday, are trying to support their colleagues but also face reality.
Sen. Carol Alvarado of Houston visited Boston on Wednesday to join a rally with Democrats from around the country.
“We’re certainly looking at rules and procedures and see what we can do to shine a light on it. I mean, there’s no sugar coating this; they have the votes to pass it in both chambers,” Sen. Alvarado said.
Rep. Reynolds hopes what’s happening in Texas leads to establishing non-partisan, independent redistricting commissions.
“Hopefully, at the end of the day, we won’t have these mid-decade redistricting schemes that disproportionately impact communities of color,” Rep. Reynolds said.
Beyond this fight, Governor Abbott is asking the Texas Supreme Court to remove Rep. Gene Wu from office, claiming he forfeited his office for breaking quorum.
Wu has asked the court to deny Governor Abbott’s request, arguing for dismissal due to lack of jurisdiction. Wu also asserts Gov. Abbott has no standing as only the state’s Attorney General, county, or district attorneys may file such actions on behalf of the state.