The Texas Senate passed the controversial redistricting maps on Tuesday despite a walkout by Democrats, but the bill cannot move forward until the House reaches a quorum.
The walkout occurred shortly before the Senate began considering the maps and was largely symbolic. Senate Republicans retained enough members to proceed with the vote, approving the maps 19-2 with nine members absent. The measure cannot advance to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk because House Democrats remain out of state, preventing a quorum.
“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,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said.
Democrats used the walkout to voice opposition to the proposed maps. “I’m not going back into that farce, into that bull—- room,” Sen. Roland Gutierrez said during a press conference. “They would rather be Donald Trump’s lapdogs than to do what is necessary for the people of Texas.”
Sen. Sara Eckhardt questioned the purpose of the redistricting. “Who are we serving with redistricting? Ourselves?” she asked. “We have a lot of work to do to serve Texans who are desperate for flood relief and red flag orders.”
The walkout came shortly after Abbott warned he would call a new special session immediately if House Democrats did not return by the end of the week. “There will be no reprieve for the derelict Democrats who fled the state and abandoned their duty to the people who elected them,” Abbott said. “I will continue to call special session after special session until we get this Texas first agenda passed.”
Abbott stated that Special Session #2 would carry the same agenda as the current one, with the possibility of adding other priorities “critical to Texans.”
The standoff has now entered its second week. Abbott reiterated his commitment to continuing the effort, saying, “If they think all they have to do is wait it out until November or December, they’re wrong. I’m gonna do this for the next two years!”
