HOUSTON: Dozens of Democratic legislators who fled Texas to halt an aggressive redistricting drive ended their two-week standoff on Monday (Aug 18), clearing the way for a new electoral map pushed by President Donald Trump.
As the Republican-led Texas House reached a necessary quorum to get back to business and address proposed congressional maps, Democratic-ruled California confirmed it would punch back with electoral map changes of its own.
With the Democrats’ return to Austin, the Texas House began its moves towards approving a map that carves out five new Republican-friendly US congressional seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump on Monday posted the proposed map of Texas on his Truth Social platform, calling it “one of the most popular initiatives I have ever supported” and calling on Republicans to “Please pass this Map, ASAP.”
More than 50 Texas Democrats had stalled legislative business with their walk-out, making national headlines as they visited blue strongholds New York, Illinois and California and sought to draw attention to the rare mid-decade redistricting push.
“When Republicans tried to silence minority voters through racist gerrymandering, Texas House Democrats answered the call,” the Texas House Democratic Caucus said in a statement on the legislators’ return.
“After rallying Americans to join this existential battle for democracy, we’re returning to Texas on our terms – ready to build the legal record needed to defeat these unconstitutional maps in court. The fight continues.”