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Texas Democrats return home, ending redistricting standoff against GOP

Democrats' exit from Texas two weeks ago stalled a Republican plan to re-draw congressional maps in the GOP's favor. But their return means it's now expected to move forward.

The State Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, on Thursday. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The State Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, on Thursday. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives returned to Austin this morning after leaving the state two weeks ago in protest of a Republican plan to re-draw congressional maps to help the party gain seats in 2026.

The protest temporarily blocked House Republicans from having a quorum to move the redistricting plan forward and drew national attention to President Donald Trump's effort to avoid losing the Republican majority in Congress next year.

The Texas House Democratic Caucus announced Aug. 18 that its members refused to return to work until Republicans adjourned its first special session in the state House on Aug. 14, and California moved forward with a retaliatory plan to re-draw its own maps in favor of Democrats.

"We killed the corrupt special session, withstood unprecedented surveillance and intimidation, and rallied Democrats nationwide to join this existential fight for fair representation — reshaping the entire 2026 landscape," State Rep. Gene Wu, the Texas House Minority Leader, said in a news release.

He said Democrats will now move to "build the legal record necessary to defeat this racist map in court" and "inspire legislators across the country (on) how to fight these undemocratic redistricting schemes in their own statehouses."

California, the only state with more congressional seats than Texas, will hold a special election on Nov. 4 so voters can approve a plan to re-draw congressional maps in favor of Democrats in time for the 2026 election.

Additional Democratic-led and Republican-led states have planned or discussed redistricting.

Author: Erin Mansfield

Source: USA Today

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