AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Senate Democrats on Monday expressed support for House Democrats who left the state to prevent a vote on a Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan.
The walkout halted legislative proceedings by breaking the quorum required to conduct business during the ongoing special session.
In an official statement, the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus said the House members were exercising their legislative authority to oppose the proposed map. Senate Democrats said the redistricting plan, currently under discussion in the special session, would reduce the political representation of minority communities.
The walkout involves more than 50 House Democrats who traveled to Chicago in an effort to delay the vote. Senate Democrats acknowledged the unusual nature of the action and described it as a response to what they characterized as a partisan redistricting process.
Republican leaders have stated that the redistricting plan is in accordance with legal requirements and based on population changes reported in the 2020 U.S. Census. They said the maps are designed to ensure equal representation across districts.
Democrats have criticized the redistricting effort for prioritizing political interests over other legislative concerns, including flood relief and access to healthcare. They argue that the plan does not reflect the state’s demographic changes, particularly the growth in minority populations.
The proposed redistricting plan is one of several bills under consideration during the special session called by Governor Greg Abbott. With the House lacking a quorum, legislative action on the redistricting proposal remains stalled.
Texas has experienced previous instances of walkouts during redistricting debates. Legal challenges have followed past disputes, and the current conflict may also be subject to litigation.