Texas lawmakers begin a special session focused on controversial redistricting, flood relief and THC.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lawmakers wrapped up the first day of a 30-day special session Monday, with congressional redistricting dominating discussions as Democrats vowed to disrupt Republican efforts to redraw maps that could benefit the Trump administration.
Governor Greg Abbott called the special session to address an ambitious list of items, but redistricting quickly emerged as the most contentious issue. The push to redraw the state’s congressional maps was prompted by a Department of Justice letter claiming four Texas districts, including three in Houston, are unconstitutionally racially gerrymandered.
Senate Democrats pressed Republicans on their motivations for changing the maps mid-decade.
“Is the DOJ letter the only reason we are considering redrawing the congressional districts? Or is there other motivation,” asked Sen. Carol Alvarado, a Houston Democrat.
Sen. Phil King, an Arlington Republican, responded that “for the purposes of what we’re doing today, the reason for considering the congressional redistricting is because the governor placed it on the call.”
However, House Republican members were more transparent about political objectives. Rep. Brian Harrison, a Waxahachie Republican, emphasized partisan goals:
“I believe the state of Texas should be doing everything it can to lock arms with President Trump and further his agenda down here. So I support us taking whatever action necessary to make sure that the United States Congress stays in Republican control in the upcoming midterm elections.”
Democrats strongly opposed the redistricting effort, with Rep. Christina Morales, a Houston Democrat, calling it “Donald Trump, extreme gerrymandering on steroids.” She criticized Governor Abbott, saying “it is just very disappointing to see that our governor is not fighting back against this.”
House Democrats held a news conference highlighting their opposition, calling the redistricting effort a power grab that could disenfranchise voters. They criticized grouping redistricting with other bipartisan items in the special session, such as flood relief and recovery.
Democrats indicated they plan to drag out the process and potentially break quorum by leaving the state to prevent the legislature from taking up redistricting bills. When asked about breaking quorum, Rep. Morales said, “nothing is off the table. We’re going to utilize every tool in the toolbox” and added “my bags packed and ready to go if I had to go.”
House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced the select committee that will handle redistricting, with representatives from the Houston region leading the effort. Republican Cody Vasut of Angleton will serve as chair, while Democrat Jon Rosenthal of Cypress will serve as vice-chair.
The first redistricting committee meeting is expected to be held Friday in Austin, with additional hearings planned across the state.
Beyond redistricting, the 30-day special session includes other items on Abbott’s agenda, such as THC product regulation and addressing flood relief, preparedness, and recovery.