Texas House Democrats who left the state to block a vote on GOP-backed redistricting legislation are now planning to return home, declaring that they’ve successfully derailed the first special session and raised national awareness around the issue.
Sources confirmed to ABC 13 Houston that the lawmakers are aiming to return to Texas this weekend, though those plans remain flexible. A Democratic source noted the timeline could shift if Republicans reverse course on their stated plan to adjourn the session on Friday.
In a news release, the House Democratic Caucus proclaimed victory, “We have killed this corrupt special session on behalf of Texas families—exactly what we said we'd do when we left the state.”
The Democrats fled Texas in early August to prevent a quorum, halting progress on mid-decade redistricting maps. Their absence denied the House the numbers needed to move forward, forcing delays and triggering legal efforts from Republican leaders to bring them back.
Despite public declarations of success, the caucus has not confirmed exactly when members will return. Caucus spokesperson Joshua Rush said that decisions remain “fluid,” and emphasized that Republicans’ actions will influence next steps.
“Members are still assessing their strategies going forward and are in a private meeting to make decisions about future plans currently,” Rush said.
Governor Greg Abbott (R) and House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) said that if Democrats do not return by Friday, the first special session will end without action on the redistricting bill.
Abbott has already pledged to call a second special session immediately afterward, potentially adding new agenda items alongside redistricting.
The Democrats' return could reopen the door for legislative action, though tensions remain high as Republicans weigh how to respond to the walkout and its political fallout.
