Texas may initiate a fresh legislative session as early as Friday, if the quorum-breaking current standoff persists.
Texas House of Representatives in a Standoff: Democrats Break Quorum, Special Session Enters Second Round
The Texas House of Representatives finds itself in a stalemate, with the work of the legislative body still incomplete, according to Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows. The House is currently in a special session, a circumstance that has persisted since early August.
In a strategic move, most House Democrats left the state, traveling to places like Illinois and New York, effectively breaking quorum and halting the passage of a Republican-backed redistricting bill. This bill, House Bill 4, aims to redraw congressional districts to favor GOP candidates.
The Democrats' departure delayed the redistricting vote for two weeks, as the House was unable to reach the minimum number of members required to conduct business. The Texas House, however, managed to pass the bill on August 20, 2025, by votes of 88 to 52, after Democrats returned to the chamber and reestablished quorum.
The bill now moves to the Texas Senate for consideration. If passed, the redistricting map is intended to add up to five new Republican-leaning districts, securing GOP dominance in future elections.
After the first special session ended without the bill passing due to the Democrats’ absence, Governor Greg Abbott called a second special session. The Democrats returned on August 18, allowing the Legislature to move forward with the redistricting legislation.
On Friday morning, the Texas House will attempt to reach a quorum one last time during this special session. However, if the House Democrats do not return to Texas, a second special session may be called immediately. Governor Abbott has expressed his commitment to calling multiple special sessions until the Texas House completes its work.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is currently visiting members' homes to bring them to the Capitol. The House Democrats' decision to break quorum has resulted in the Texas House of Representatives' work not being completed, prolonging the special session and causing a political impasse.
[1] Texas Tribune: Texas House Passes Redistricting Bill After Democrats Return
[2] The Hill: Texas House Passes Republican-Backed Redistricting Bill
[3] CNN: Texas House Democrats Break Quorum to Block Redistricting Bill
[4] Politico: Texas Democrats Break Quorum to Block Redistricting Bill
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