Texas Democrats say they’ll return to Austin once California unveils its redrawn congressional map

Texas House Democrats are edging closer to ending a nearly two-week walkout that’s blocked Gov. Greg Abbott and his Republican allies from redrawing the state’s congressional maps to favor the GOP in the 2026 midterms, the Associated Press reports.

In a statement provided to the AP, the Democrats said they’ll return to the state once the current special session ends and California, a blue state, releases its own proposal for redistricting its congressional seats. While both developments are expected Friday, the Dems didn’t say what day they plan to come back.

If the Democrats return, Republicans — who control both chambers of the Texas Legislature — still would be able to push through the new maps because the minority party doesn’t have enough votes to stop them. The proposed maps would give the GOP five additional seats in the U.S. House.

In their statement to the AP, the Dems said legal counsel advised them to return to the state to “build a strong public legislative record” for an upcoming legal battle against the state’s redistricting.

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This article appears in Aug 7-20, 2025.