AUSTIN, Texas — Democratic state legislators in Texas are set to leave the state on Sunday to break the quorum during a special legislative session. This session is focused on passing a new congressional map that could potentially create up to five additional Republican seats. The decision follows a lengthy public hearing on the proposed maps held at the state Capitol on Friday, just days after the Republican legislators introduced the new plans.

Republicans currently hold a majority in the Texas state legislature. In response to the proposed maps, Democrats have indicated they would explore all available options to prevent the maps from being enacted, although their strategies appear limited. State Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, stated, "We’re not walking out on our responsibilities; we’re walking out on a rigged system that refuses to listen to the people we represent. As of today, this corrupt special session is over."

Following the announcement of the Democratic walkout, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his disapproval on social media, suggesting that the legislators who left should be arrested and returned to the Capitol. He wrote, "Democrats in the Texas House who try and run away like cowards should be found, arrested, and brought back to the Capitol immediately. We should use every tool at our disposal to hunt down those who think they are above the law."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also criticized the Democrats, claiming their departure was unjustified. He warned that their actions could lead to the forfeiture of their elected positions. Abbott demanded that the legislators return when the House reconvenes for the special session at 3:00 p.m. CT on Monday, stating, "This truancy ends now. The derelict Democrat House members must return to Texas and be in attendance when the House reconvenes."

In response to Abbott's statement, the Texas House Democratic Caucus issued a brief retort: "Come and take it."

While the walkout will not prevent the bill's passage, Democrats aim to delay the process during the 30-day special session, potentially forcing Abbott to call another session. This is not the first time Texas House Democrats have attempted to break quorum; they previously did so in 2021 to oppose an elections bill and in 2003 against a similar redistricting effort. In both instances, Republicans ultimately succeeded in passing their legislation.

Currently, more than 51 legislators are leaving Texas, which denies the House the two-thirds majority needed for a quorum. The exact number of Democratic legislators participating in the walkout is unclear. Those who break quorum may face a $500 daily fine and possible legal repercussions.

Attorney General Paxton noted that while House and Senate rules allow for the arrest of legislators who leave, jurisdiction issues arise if they exit the state. He stated, "The challenge is, if they go out of state, we lose jurisdiction... but in the end, as long as the governor is willing to keep calling sessions, ultimately they have to come home."

Paxton expressed confidence in defending the new maps in court, asserting, "We’ve got good maps. And the legislature has the right to draw the maps they want. They’re politically based, not race-based. And if they’re politically based, then they’re defensible."

Some Democratic legislators are expected to hold a press conference on Sunday evening with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who has been a vocal supporter of Texas Democrats. Pritzker has suggested that if Texas redraws its maps, Illinois might also consider revising its congressional maps, which have faced criticism for being heavily partisan in favor of Democrats.

In late June, Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder met with Pritzker to discuss the possibility of lawmakers fleeing to Illinois for support. Since then, Pritzker and Texas Democrats have maintained communication, with assistance provided for logistics as they prepare to leave Texas. The bill concerning the new congressional maps is scheduled for discussion on the House floor on Monday.