‘Going to be a long night’ | State Sen. Carol Alvarado of Houston plans filibuster to delay redistricting vote

Alvarado is no stranger to filibusters. To delay a voting rights vote in 2021, she stood and spoke for more than 15 hours.

AUSTIN, Texas — It’s going to be a long night in the Texas Senate. That’s according to Sen. Carol Alvarado of Houston, who posted to social media that she plans to filibuster the redrawn congressional district maps that have been the center of controversy.

Posting a photo of tennis shoes to X, Alvarado said she’s submitted her intention to filibuster. Alvarado’s communications director called it the Democrats’ last stand.

The Senate spent Friday debating the bill in the second special session before Alvarado said she would filibuster. Two days ago, the Texas House voted in favor of the bill.

If approved, the redrawn Texas congressional maps, which are backed by President Trump, could give Republicans five additional seats in the U.S. House.  

House Democrats left the state during the first special session to deny quorum and a vote. Enough returned for quorum shortly after the second special session started, and the legislation was passed.

For Alvarado, this isn’t the first time she’s filibustered. In 2021, she stood and talked for 15 hours and six minutes to delay a vote on voting rights.

As far as filibuster rules in the Texas Senate, There’s no eating or drinking in the Senate chamber.  The Senate member has to stand at their desk. They can’t sit or lean and there will be no breaks for the bathroom. There are no filibusters in the Texas House.

We are streaming the Senate debate on House Bill 4, the redistricting bill, in the video player above. 

RELATED: Texas Senate expected to take up controversial redistricting bill this morning

RELATED: California Gov. Newsom signs legislation calling special election on redrawn congressional map

Original News Source