The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus has thrown its full support behind its House colleagues who walked out of session to protest a redistricting map they’ve called “rigged.”
“We commend our House colleagues for taking courageous action to protect the voting rights of all Texans,” the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus said in a statement. “They are using the power they have — and the only tool left — to stand up for the Texans they represent and defend the principle of fair elections for all.”
The partisan clash centers on a redistricting plan pushed by Republican leadership during a special session. Democrats argue the plan disproportionately dilutes the political influence of Black and Hispanic voters and ignores pressing state issues, including flood relief.
“This push to redraw these districts is not just unnecessary. It entirely ignores the real needs and priorities of the people we serve,” the statement said. It also criticized the House for prioritizing the redistricting vote as the first order of business in the special session, while neglecting bills that address other issues impacting Texans, such as flooding, healthcare, or the rising cost of living.
Democratic Senators have accused Republicans of redrawing districts to protect political allies and shield them from accountability after voting to cut vital social programs like Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy.
“We should be singularly focused in this special session on flood relief, not on redrawing maps to save a president from constituents who are demanding he be held accountable,” the statement continued.
According to KPRC Click2Houston, the walkout, which prevents a quorum, is a rare but not unprecedented move in Texas politics. However, Democratic Senators defend the action as a necessary civil disobedience against what they call a rigged system. The redistricting battle is expected to escalate in the coming days as Republicans push their map, while Democrats rally public support and try to slow down the process.
