Abbott Calls Second Special Session, Democrats Still Out of State

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) today issued a proclamation launching a Second Special Session, which convened at, with a focus on urgent legislative action, chief among them, congressional redistricting.

The move comes after weeks of legislative gridlock, following a walkout by House Democrats that stalled several Republican-backed bills. In a statement, Abbott directly criticized the absent lawmakers for abandoning key responsibilities.

“Delinquent House Democrats ran away from their responsibility to pass crucial legislation to benefit the lives of Texans,” Abbott said. “We will not back down from this fight. That’s why I am calling them back today to finish the job.”

At the top of the agenda is redistricting, a process required to adjust congressional boundaries based on new population data. The need for a new map has become more urgent as legal and logistical deadlines approach.

Though the Governor’s proclamation included 19 agenda items, ranging from property tax relief to THC regulations and disaster preparedness, Abbott made clear that progress on redistricting is essential to maintaining election integrity and ensuring fair representation in future federal elections.

“Because of their dereliction of duty,” Abbott said of the Democrats, “Texas families and communities impacted by the catastrophic Fourth of July flooding have been delayed critical resources for relief and recovery.”

The Governor also noted that delays caused by the walkout have impacted a wide range of issues, including school testing reform, protections for human trafficking victims, and bans on taxpayer-funded lobbying.