House Democrats are set to return to Texas for the upcoming special legislative session, our news partner ABC13 sources confirm.
While the exact date of their arrival at the Capitol in Austin remains unclear, party members say they have achieved their goal of ending the first special session and raising national attention on mid-decade redistricting.
Focus on Hill Country Flood Relief
Democrats say they will push for Hill Country flooding relief to take priority in the next session. In a statement to ABC News, the Texas Democratic Caucus said their decision to return depends on whether Republican leadership prioritizes flood victims over redistricting plans.
“Members are still assessing their strategies going forward and are in a private meeting to make decisions about future plans currently,” he wrote. “If and when Texas House Democrats breaking quorum decide to go home is squarely dependent on the actions the Governor, Speaker, and Texas Republicans in charge make with regard to prioritizing flood victims over redistricting that hurts Texans.”
Redistricting Dispute Continues
The first special session collapsed without a quorum for two consecutive days, with only 95 members present. Hours later, the Senate passed a Republican-favored redistricting map that had prompted more than 50 House Democrats to leave the state earlier this month. Senate Democrats walked out in protest but maintained quorum.
Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine for more updates on the Texas Democrats’ blocking redistricting attempts.