A group of Texas House Democrats made their way back to Austin on Monday for the second special legislative session, reestablishing quorum and paving the way for Republicans to push forward with redistricting legislation.
On Monday, several Texas House Democrats returned to Austin for the second special legislative session, successfully reestablishing a quorum and concluding a two-week protest. This enables the House to resume its business.
In the hours following the conclusion of the first special session on Friday, Governor Greg Abbott summoned legislators to return. The primary agenda item is redistricting, with Republicans anticipated to propose a plan to redraw the congressional maps of Texas in advance of the midterm elections next year.
The chamber gaveled in with over two dozen House Democrats still absent; however, there were sufficient members present to conduct legislative business.
In his remarks from the dais, House Speaker Dustin Burrows urged legislators to progress despite recent partisan disputes, striking a conciliatory tone. "I am now obligated to preserve the integrity of this quorum and to preserve an environment of respect and order until the task is completed," Burrows stated. Personal attacks and name-calling will not be tolerated; however, debate is encouraged.
For nearly two weeks, a group of Democrats had been residing in suburban Chicago to obstruct the Republican redistricting plan. Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston, stated, “We were playing chess and they were playing tic-tac-toe.” Jones continued, “We were able to stop them, so their numbers didn't matter. I think it was a gangster move. It was boss, and I'm proud of us.”
Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, announced Monday that the Democratic Party will now redirect its strategy to the courts following the adjournment of the House. Wu stated, "Our immediate objective is to expedite the process to prevent the court from intervening."
On Saturday, protests were held across the country under the banner of the "Fight the Trump Takeover National Day of Action," which was organized to oppose the Republican-led redistricting efforts of former President Donald Trump.
