Congressional seats

Texas Lawmaker Remains in Austin as Democrats’ Redistricting Standoff continues

AUSTIN, TX – State Representative Philip Cortez (District 117) announced Sunday he will not join his Democratic colleagues who fled Texas to break quorum and prevent a vote on proposed new congressional districts, becoming the latest in a growing number of Democrats choosing to remain in the state. This development comes as legal battles escalate between the state and absent lawmakers, and pressure mounts for their return ahead of a planned Monday session.

The dispute centers on proposed redistricting maps drafted by the Republican-led legislature, which Democrats argue unfairly target minority voters and solidify the GOP’s control of the state’s congressional delegation. Texas is gaining two congressional seats due to the 2020 census, bringing the total to 38. The proposed maps would likely create districts favoring Republican candidates, potentially shifting the balance of power in Congress.

Cortez stated his decision isn’t a disagreement with those who left, emphasizing his support for his colleagues currently in Washington D.C.and Chicago.he affirmed his opposition to the proposed redistricting plan, pledging to fight it “at the Texas Capitol.”

State Representative Eddie Morales Jr.(District 86) of Eagle Pass has also chosen to remain in Texas, citing his obligation to represent communities in Central south and West Texas. Morales criticized Governor Greg Abbott for calling a special session initially intended to address devastating floods in Central Texas, but instead focusing on redistricting. He highlighted the recent flooding in areas like the Rio Grande Valley, where several deaths were reported, as a more pressing concern.

The situation has escalated into a legal battle, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filing lawsuits seeking to arrest the absent lawmakers and even attempting to remove them from office. Paxton’s office filed complaints requesting the arrest of lawmakers who traveled to California, and a separate lawsuit aims to vacate the seats of 13 Democrats. The legal basis for these actions rests on the state constitution’s quorum requirements, which mandate a minimum number of representatives present for the legislature to conduct business.

Governor Abbott has also taken steps to cut off state funds – including direct deposit – to absent lawmakers, further increasing the pressure to return. The House reconvenes Monday,and it remains uncertain whether enough Democrats will return to establish a quorum,allowing the redistricting vote to proceed. The standoff highlights the increasingly partisan nature of redistricting nationwide and the lengths to which both parties will go to maintain or gain political advantage.