Texas Democrats Weigh End To Redistricting Boycott

Texas Democrats are meeting privately to decide whether to return to Austin and end their weeks-long boycott over the Republican-led redistricting plan, CNN reported. The GOP proposal could net Republicans five more U.S. House seats. Lawmakers fled the state to deny a quorum, stalling the special session.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows set Friday as the deadline for Democrats to return before adjourning.

Governor Greg Abbott vowed to call an immediate second special session with the same agenda if the boycott continues. Abbott warned there would be "no reprieve" for Democrats who, he said, abandoned their duties.

Democrats can run to another state, but they can’t outrun the will of Texans.

If there’s no quorum Friday, Special Session #2 will start immediately after Sine Die.

Same agenda, with potential to add more.

I’ll call special after special until the Texas first agenda is passed. pic.twitter.com/DruA8YHcrn

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 12, 2025

Democrats insist they will return only if Republicans prioritize flood relief over maps they say harm voters. Rep. John Bucy said the decision rests on whether the governor will put "people over politics."

Related:

Texas Gov Vows No Break Until GOP Redistricting Plan Passes

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signaled Tuesday he will call a second special legislative session on redistricting if House Democrats continue to block a quorum by Friday. Dozens of Democrats have fled the state to derail a Republican-led effort to redraw congressional maps that could net the GOP as many as

tippinsightsTIPP Staff