The Republican-controlled Texas Senate officially passed a new congressional redistricting map today.
Despite nine of the 11 Senate Democrats walking out before the vote, leaving the floor nearly empty, the Republican majority pressed ahead.
The map, passed 19–2 along party lines, is designed to create up to five new Republican‑drawn U.S. House seats in anticipation of the 2026 midterm elections.
“This mid-decade redistricting isn’t about fair representation—it’s about politicians picking their voters instead of voters choosing their leaders,” the Senate Democrat Caucus said in a statement. “And it doesn’t stop here. If they can gerrymander now, they can and will do it before every election.”
“That’s why we walked out – because this session should only be about flood relief, and we refuse to engage in a corrupt process.”
“When the system is being rigged to steal political power and ignore the needs of flood survivors, extraordinary measures are necessary. Our House colleagues are standing up for democracy, for the rule of law and for the millions of Texans who deserve to have their voices heard,” the caucus said.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), who presides over the Senate, issued a statement Tuesday regarding the vote.
“Today, the Texas Senate passed the new congressional map, including 5 new Republican majority districts. The Texas Senate will continue passing this map each legislative session to accurately reflect our state until House Democrats return from their ‘vacation’ and get back to work for the people of Texas.”
WATCH:
BREAKING: The Texas Senate has officially PASSED the new U.S. House Maps, as Democrats STORMED OUT of the chamber
The Dems are BIG mad.
Now all it needs is House approval and Republicans will pick up potentially 5 U.S. House seats!
@dallasnews pic.twitter.com/lyIL6ixhcO
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 12, 2025
The maps now head to the Texas House.
It can be recalled that more than 60 House Democrats, including at least 50 members, have fled the state, traveling to cities such as Chicago, New York, and Boston to deny the Texas House a quorum, effectively halting legislative business.
Governor Greg Abbott, unfazed, announced that if the August 19 special session deadline passes without their return, he will immediately call a second special session and likely more thereafter until the map and other GOP priorities are passed.
“Democrats can run to another state, but they can’t outrun the will of Texans. If there’s no quorum Friday, Special Session #2 will start immediately after Sine Die. Same agenda, with potential to add more. I’ll call special after special until the Texas first agenda is passed,” Abbott announced on X.
Democrats can run to another state, but they can’t outrun the will of Texans.
If there’s no quorum Friday, Special Session #2 will start immediately after Sine Die.
Same agenda, with potential to add more.
I’ll call special after special until the Texas first agenda is passed. pic.twitter.com/DruA8YHcrn
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 12, 2025
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