Texas Democrats Plan Return to Block Gerrymander, Awaiting End of Special Session

Dozens of Texas Democratic lawmakers are preparing to head back to Austin early next week after leaving the state to delay a Republican-led redistricting plan that could shift five U.S. House seats in the GOP’s favor.

The group, which has been in Illinois for several days to avoid arrest warrants issued by the Texas House, had debated when to return, some urging a Saturday comeback, others pushing to remain out of reach of Texas authorities into next week.

On Thursday, State Representative Gene Wu of Houston announced that the Democrats had reached consensus: they would return only after the current special legislative session ends on Friday. Wu said the timing also allows them to wait for California Democrats to unveil their own congressional map on Monday, one expected to create five new Democratic-leaning districts in response to Texas’ proposal.

“We’re prepared to bring this battle back to Texas under the right conditions and to take this fight to the courts,” Wu said in a statement.

Former President Barack Obama weighed in via a virtual meeting with the lawmakers, praising their actions and calling them “inspiring” as they stand up for democratic principles.

Their absence has prevented the Republican-controlled House from reaching the 100-member quorum needed to advance the map. Governor Greg Abbott has pledged to call a second special session immediately after the first ends, with House Republican leaders signaling they are ready to act as soon as enough Democrats return.

“I’m authorized to call a special session every 30 days,” Abbott said on Fox News Sunday. “As soon as this one is over, I’m gonna call another one, then another one, then another one, then another one.”

According to The New York Times, once that session begins, the redistricting plan, described by opponents as an extreme gerrymander, would still need to clear procedural steps before a final vote. However, Republicans are expected to move quickly once they regain a quorum.