Texas Democrats return to state as GOP presses on with redistricting

Texas Democrats on Monday returned for a second special legislative session after breaking quorum to block a redistricting vote.Why it matters: The move by dozens of House Democrats to leave Texas amid a GOP push to create five more districts favorable to Republicans sparked a nationwide frenzy and fed into a strategy of maximum retaliation.Driving the news: Democrats announced they're 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.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. What they're saying: "There will be no reprieve for the derelict Democrats who fled the state and abandoned their duty to the people who elected them. I will continue to call special session after special session until we get this Texas first agenda passed," Abbott said in a statement last week.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 in a statement Monday. "We're returning to Texas more dangerous to Republicans' plans than when we left." Catch up quick: 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.It reshapes districts in Houston, Austin and Dallas — Democratic strongholds that, if fractured, could weaken the party's influence in Congress.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 we're watching: How Texas Democrats continue to fight redistricting this special session and redistricting ripple effects in other states. Go deeper: Abbott moves to dismiss Texas Democrats' "ringleader" from officeTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to declare 13 Democratic state House seats vacant

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