Texas House Democrats Stage Overnight Protest Against GOP Redistricting Plan

A group of Texas House Democrats returned to the chamber as part of an escalating protest against Republican efforts to redraw the state's congressional map. The lawmakers, refusing GOP-imposed conditions, say the proposed redistricting would unfairly strengthen Republican power in Washington. READ MORE.

State Senator Roland Gutierrez: "This sham special session was NEVER about flood relief or helping grieving families. It wwas always about passing Abbott's rigged congressional maps."

State Rep. Steve Toth: "I just joined Richard Hayes, @NateSchatzline and @BriscoeCain in amending the TX Constitution moving the quorum number from 100 to 76. Democrats have too much opportunity to abuse the system and it has to stop."

Rep. Keith Self: "Democrats want to keep the American people on the government reservation because it keeps them in power. This is wrong. We should strive for maximum individual freedom consistent with an orderly society."

Texas House Democrats: "While Republicans rush to redraw maps, Texans who lost everything in the July floods wait for help."

Texas House Democrats Stage Overnight Protest Against GOP Redistricting Plan — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — A group of Texas House Democrats returned to the chamber as part of an escalating protest against Republican efforts to redraw the state's congressional map. The lawmakers, refusing GOP-imposed conditions, say the proposed redistricting would unfairly strengthen Republican power in Washington.

Texas Democrats Sing High Praise for Collier’s Protest — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — As the Texas Legislature prepares to vote on adding five Republican congressional seats, state Rep. Nicole Collier (D) is protesting the vote by remaining in the House chamber. State Rep. Collier’s move has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, but Democrats are singing high praise for the Texas Democrat’s protest.

Abbott Signs Bills on Emergency Abortion Care and Abortion Funding Ban — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Governor Greg Abbott (R) ceremonially signed Senate Bill 31 and Senate Bill 33 into law at the Texas Capitol, aiming to strengthen the state’s abortion restrictions while clarifying protections for pregnant women in medical emergencies.

Paxton Demands Immediate Halt to Abortion Pill Shipments — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has ordered several organizations to stop advertising, selling, and shipping abortion-inducing drugs into Texas, calling the practice both unlawful and dangerous.

Aalo Atomics Secures $100M to Build First-of-Its-Kind Advanced Nuclear Reactor — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Austin-based Aalo Atomics has raised $100 million in Series B funding and secured key regulatory support to complete construction of its 10-MWe Aalo-X reactor at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), with a target to achieve cold criticality by July 2026.

Texas Legislative Shake-Up Ahead of 2026 Elections — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — State Representative Ray Lopez, (D), announced he will not run for reelection to the Texas House, ending his legislative career after four terms. Lopez, who first took office in 2019 and previously served on the San Antonio City Council, said he is endorsing his chief of staff, Donovon Rodriguez, to run for the open seat.

Federal Court Blocks Ten Commandments in Texas Classrooms — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — A federal district court has temporarily blocked a Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public-school classroom, ruling that the mandate likely violates the First Amendment.

Texas House Democrats Stage Overnight Protest Against GOP Redistricting Plan — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield

Dallas Weather: Summertime front brings rain to North Texas — By Kylie Capps and Tracy DeLatte for KDFW

LONESTAR is written by Javier Manjarres and Daniel Molina