Texas Democrats have returned to Austin. Their return ends a two-week standoff that had stalled the state legislature and blocked Republicans from advancing a new congressional redistricting map.
The move now clears the path for GOP lawmakers to pass a plan expected to expand Republican control in the U.S. House.
The second special session of the Texas House began Monday. The first session had ended without progress due to the Democrats’ walkout.
Speaker Dustin Burrows gaveled in the chamber with enough members present to meet the quorum requirement of 100 lawmakers. It was the first time in two weeks that the House could conduct business.
“We are done waiting. We have a quorum. Now is the time for action,” Burrows told the chamber. “We will move quickly, and the schedule will be demanding until our work is complete.”
Democrats fled the state on August 3. Their goal was to block Republican efforts to redraw Texas’s congressional map. The proposed GOP map could give Republicans up to five additional seats. That would strengthen their grip on the state’s 38-member congressional delegation.
Currently, Republicans hold 25 seats. Democrats hold 12. One seat remains vacant.
Democrats labeled their walkout a stand against what they called a “racist gerrymander.” But critics say it was political theater.
The move aimed to delay a redistricting plan that was likely to pass regardless. Legal and financial pressure soon mounted. State and national Republicans took action. Arrest threats were issued. Paychecks were suspended. The public and media began to criticize the fleeing lawmakers.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton went to court to remove the absent legislators. Speaker Burrows issued civil arrest warrants. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) even asked the FBI to help locate the Democrats. Many of them had fled to blue states like Illinois, Massachusetts, and California.
As part of their return, Speaker Burrows required that Democrats remain under supervision. Texas Department of Public Safety officers were assigned to ensure they attend future sessions. “My responsibility now is to keep this quorum intact,” Burrows said. “We must maintain an atmosphere of order and respect until the job is finished.”
Democrats claimed their return was part of a strategy. They timed it with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement of a new redistricting referendum. But Republicans were not buying it. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) called the move a “partisan stunt.” He said Democrats were trying to override California’s independent redistricting system for political gain.
“Democrats across the nation have played politics with redistricting for decades,” Johnson said. “Republicans who are following state and federal laws will not be lectured by people who abused the system.”
The redistricting plan in Texas is part of a larger GOP strategy. Republicans are aiming to secure their House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms. The current balance in the U.S. House stands at 219 Republicans and 212 Democrats. Four seats are vacant. With Texas back in session and Republicans in control, the advantage is clearly shifting.