Texas Democrats Embrace “Weapons of the Weak” as Legislative Power Dwindles
AUSTIN, TX – Facing overwhelming republican control in the Texas legislature, Democrats are increasingly resorting to unconventional tactics – what one state senator calls “things you would not ordinarily be doing” – to draw attention to their concerns and challenge the state’s conservative agenda. From dramatic quorum breaks to live-streamed office sit-ins, Texas Democrats are employing a strategy of disruption and national attention-grabbing as conventional legislative avenues close.
The shift reflects a growing frustration among Democrats, as evidenced by a volunteer’s recent comment to a reporter: “It’s, like, you want to do something to make a difference, but it feels like, no matter what you do, Republicans find a way to get their way.” The volunteer, who has five years of election work and involvement with beto O’Rourke’s campaigns, described a recent protest as ”depressing,” highlighting a sense of futility felt by some activists.
Historically, the Texas legislature, as political columnist Molly Ivins observed in 1975, possessed a unique, if boisterous, spirit of collegiality. Ivins famously described it as “the finest free entertainment in Texas,” noting a tradition where legislators could “respect publicly, and yes, even love, those canny country bastards who always beat them.” Though, that atmosphere has demonstrably eroded.
Recent actions by Texas Republicans signal a hardening of lines. This year, the House ended the long-standing tradition of allowing minority party members to chair committees. State Senator José Alvarado described the current Senate habitat as “much more divisive,meaner,” attributing the change to the influence of national politics. The escalating polarization prompted Texas Monthly to forgo its annual “best and worst legislators” list, citing a political climate dominated by ”small-mindedness and an emphasis on punishment and coercion.”
With limited structural power – described by Alvarado as being “outnumbered and outgunned” – Democrats have turned to tactics designed to bypass legislative roadblocks. This was vividly illustrated earlier this year when a group of Democratic lawmakers broke quorum, fleeing the state to prevent a vote on restrictive voting legislation.
while the quorum break ultimately failed to prevent the vote,it did succeed in attracting national attention,prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to announce a partisan redistricting plan of his own. The move was met with strong reactions from Texas Republicans, including calls to arrest or fire the absent legislators. Upon their return, Democratic representatives were subjected to surveillance by state troopers, a tactic Representative Nicole collier resisted by spending two nights sleeping in her office, broadcasting the event live to an audience that at times rivaled the viewership of Wendy Davis’s 2013 filibuster.
Despite losing the immediate legislative battle, Democrats believe they have gained ground in a larger “war for attention,” demonstrating a willingness to employ what are effectively “weapons of the weak” in the face of overwhelming political disadvantage.
