AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Democrats who recently ended a walkout found themselves under surveillance by law enforcement officials, aimed at preventing a repeat of their protests that previously obstructed Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts. These redistricting efforts are closely tied to fulfilling President Donald Trump's agenda for reshaping U.S. House maps.
Upon their return, Republican members in the Texas House mandated Democrats to sign what they referred to as "permission slips." This agreement would subject the returning Democrats to continuous monitoring by the Texas Department of Public Safety officers if they wished to exit the House floor. Despite pressure, Democratic Representative Nicole Collier from Fort Worth refused to comply, choosing instead to remain on the House floor.
The resurgence of the Democrats puts the Republican-led Texas Legislature in a strong position to advance redistricting plans this week, especially as California Democrats are initiating their own congressional boundary changes in response. The clash places both Texas and California at the forefront of a growing national struggle for control of Congress as the 2026 midterm elections approach. The conflict has rallied Democratic support across the nation, which had recently faced challenges and dissension among its ranks since Republicans regained full control of the federal government in January.
In early August, dozens of Texas Democratic lawmakers departed to Illinois and other locations, denying their Republican counterparts the attendance required to vote on revised congressional maps designed to secure five additional Republican seats in Washington. Following their absence, Republicans celebrated their capability to push through a new congressional proposal, signaling a shift that could enhance their majority dominance in U.S. House seats, given they currently occupy 25 out of Texas's 38 districts.
During their absence, the Democrats faced threats of fines, with House Speaker Dustin Burrows asserting that any lawmaker who missed legislative days could be fined up to $500 each day. They also faced potential civil arrest for not returning to the session after they had left Texas. The returning lawmakers were greeted by supportive crowds, showcasing the contentious atmosphere surrounding the legislative proceedings.
Despite acknowledging the Republican advantage in approving new district maps, Democrats, led by Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu, indicated their intention to challenge the new designs legally. No bills were introduced on the first day of their return, as lawmakers were scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, emphasizing the ongoing tension within the legislative process.
In parallel, Trump is urging Republican-led states nationwide to consider redistricting, while Democratic governors have shown intention to retaliate in light of the circumstances. California Governor Gavin Newsom has prepared for a special referendum on November 4 to address redrawn districts in his state, which emphasizes a trend of retaliatory politics between the two parties. California Democrats aim to increase their U.S. House representation, while facing planned lawsuits from Republican opponents.
Moreover, Texas’ Governor Greg Abbott initiated the redistricting battle at Trump's request, merging it with unrelated issues like flood relief in the initial special session agenda. This action sparked criticism from Democrats, who contend that Abbott's linkage of a highly partisan issue to urgent issues undermines fair governance.
In the face of these challenges, Texas legislators, especially those in opposition, are expected to persist in their efforts to challenge what they perceive as abuses of power. Moving forward, both parties are gearing up for an ambitious battle over congressional control, setting the stage for a politically charged environment as they head into critical elections.
