Texas Democrats have resumed their absence from the state following the governor's conclusion of a special session, which contained a contentious redistricting proposal.

Texas Democrats have resumed their absence from the state following the governor's conclusion of a special session, which contained a contentious redistricting proposal.

The Texas House Democrats returned to Austin on Monday, August 18, 2025, marking the end of a nearly two-week walkout aimed at blocking a vote on new congressional maps favored by Republicans. This move ended the quorum break, allowing the Republicans to proceed with passing the new map that could add five GOP seats in the 2026 midterm elections.

The Democrats had left Texas mainly for Illinois to prevent the House from reaching a quorum required to vote on the GOP-proposed congressional map. Governor Greg Abbott called a second special session starting Friday, August 15, 2025, in an attempt to force lawmakers back to Austin. Some Democrats, such as Rep. Ann Johnson, announced their return shortly after the second session was called, with others following by August 18.

The walkout was an uncommon legislative tactic to delay mid-decade redistricting, which was criticized by Democrats as racially discriminatory and politically motivated. The Democrats' return marked the resumption of the redistricting process. However, the new election maps have not been passed yet.

Governor Abbott has stated that he is committed to calling special sessions as long as needed to pass the maps. The special session is ongoing, and its exact duration is not specified in the article. Abbott's office could not specify what the additional items might be.

The House Democrats have declared victory over the current special session. If Texas House Democrats do not return by Friday, the current special session will be adjourned. Abbott has announced that the chamber will sine die on Friday. He will call a second special session immediately if the current one is adjourned, with the second special session including every item from the first and potentially additional items.

The House Democrats claim they have "killed" the current special session. Plans for their return are uncertain, with one source suggesting they may return this weekend, but this could change. The article does not specify whether the Texas House Democrats' return date is confirmed or if they will return as a group.

The House Democrats have stated that they have done this on behalf of Texas families. The Supreme Court has been formally asked to overturn the landmark same-sex marriage ruling, but details about the request were not provided in the article. The article does not provide any information about the activation of the National Guard in DC.

1. The Texas House Democrats' return ignited a continued battle in the politics of policy-and-legislation, as Governor Abbott stated his commitment to call special sessions as needed to pass the GOP-proposed congressional maps.
2. Amidst the ongoing special session and uncertainty about their return, the House Democrats claim they have "killed" this session, working on behalf of Texas families, while also addressing the general news of the Supreme Court being formally asked to overturn the same-sex marriage ruling.

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