Texas Democrats Threaten Walkout Over GOP Redistricting Push During Flood Crisis

Texas House Democrats have issued an ultimatum to Republican leadership, threatening to derail the Legislature’s special session if they prioritize a controversial redistricting plan over urgent flood relief.

In a letter sent to House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) Monday, the Texas House Democratic Caucus vowed not to participate in any legislative action, including redrawing of political maps, until support for flood victims is passed. They also condemn Gov. Greg Abbott (R) for allegedly allowing President Donald Trump to hijack the session’s agenda.

“Texans are still picking up the pieces after historic flooding,” Gene Wu, Chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, wrote. “But Abbott is letting Trump take over Texas, using our state as a testing ground for extreme, divisive politics.”

Abbott’s agenda includes a controversial push to redraw congressional districts — an off-cycle, mid-decade move Democrats see as a blatant power grab.

The Republican-led effort aims to gerrymander up to five new GOP-leaning districts — a move backed by Trump, who has been pressuring Texas Republicans to expand their congressional majority ahead of 2026. 

Redistricting typically occurs only once per decade, following the U.S. Census.

“Instead of prioritizing flood recovery and real solutions, Governor Abbott has filled the special session agenda with partisan distractions,” Wu added. “Redrawing voting maps to lock in power for himself and his allies.”

The letter urges fellow lawmakers to hold the line and “refuse to engage in any other legislative work until after adequate flood relief and disaster mitigation legislation are passed and signed.”

Burrows did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The Texas House is still scheduled to hold a public redistricting hearing on Saturday. 

Jen Rice contributed to this reporting.