SouthernWorldwide.com – Texas Democratic lawmakers who had departed the state to prevent a Republican-led redistricting bill from advancing are now beginning to return, according to multiple sources close to the situation who spoke with CBS News.
A significant number of Texas House Democrats had left the state earlier this month. Their objective was to deny a quorum and thereby halt a special legislative session called by Republican Governor Greg Abbott. The session was intended to redraw the state’s congressional district maps, a move that would have likely benefited the Republican party.
The Republican-backed redistricting proposal aimed to create an additional five congressional seats that would lean Republican. This strategic move was intended to bolster their numbers in the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Historically, the party holding the White House tends to lose seats in midterm contests.
Read more: California Supreme Court refuses to halt Newsom's redistricting map
Under normal circumstances, states are required to redraw their legislative districts every ten years. This process is based on population changes reflected in the decennial census, ensuring representation remains current.
The Democrats had successfully prevented a quorum on multiple occasions during recent weeks. This tactic led to the conclusion of the initial special session called by the Republicans. However, a new special session was convened on Friday, prompting the Democrats to begin their return to Texas.
Sources indicated that some lawmakers have already arrived back in the state. The Democratic caucus is currently working to ascertain if they have achieved a quorum, which is necessary for legislative business to proceed. This count is expected to be determined by Monday.
Officials within the Republican party in Texas had expressed their intent to compel the absent lawmakers to return. This included threats of arrest to ensure their presence at the state Capitol. Notably, one Republican senator had reportedly involved the FBI in efforts to locate the legislators.
The decision by the Democrats to return follows a strategic move by their counterparts in California. Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a redistricting plan. This plan, under California law, would necessitate a special election. Newsom stated that this action was a direct response to a call from the U.S. President to the governor of Texas, urging him to secure five additional Republican seats.
“I know they say don’t mess with Texas,” Newsom remarked. He then added, “Well, don’t mess with the great Golden State.”
