Members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus left the state this week, traveling to California and Illinois in protest of Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) special session. The Texas Democrats argue that the session prioritizes partisan politics over disaster recovery, and Senator John Cornyn (R) has responded by calling the move a “dereliction of duty.”
Ahead of the special session, Texas Democrats threatened to break quorum in protest of the special session, which drew backlash from Republicans. The session was further complicated as House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) promoted several Democrats to prominent roles in the several committees.
The trips to California and Illinois come in response to Governor Abbott's push to pass what critics call a “rigged” election bill aligned with President Donald Trump’s (R) “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The bill, which Republicans have supported, has drawn scrutiny from Democrats who argue that it includes sweeping cuts that will have devastating effects on working families.
“Since Governor Abbott is acting like a child, we are going to find adults to go talk to,” state Rep. Gene Wu (D), the Chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said in a statement. “We're headed out to states already dealing with the fallout from the billions of dollars that Trump's allies have crammed down our throats.”
The Texas Democrats plan to meet with officials in California and Illinois, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D), to discuss alternative policy responses to the economic strain they argue the bill’s cuts are causing.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent — we know this extremist agenda is not what you voted for,” state Rep. Wu emphasized.
On social media, Senator Cornyn responded to the news, arguing that "Leaving the State of Texas when a 30 day special session is underway is a dereliction of duty." I support all methods of returning these legislators to the State Capitol so state business can continue," he added.
Leaving the State of Texas when a 30 day special session is underway is a dereliction of duty. I support all methods of returning these legislators to the State Capitol so state business can continue.#txlege https://t.co/6QNlCnQ71D
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) July 25, 2025
