Texas Senate Officially PASSES New Congressional Map — Democrats STORM OUT in Protest
The Republican-controlled Texas Senate officially passed a new congressional redistricting map today.
Despite nine of the 11 Senate Democrats walking out before the vote, leaving the floor nearly empty, the Republican majority pressed ahead.
The map, passed 19–2 along party lines, is designed to create up to five new Republican‑drawn U.S. House seats in anticipation of the 2026 midterm elections.
“This mid-decade redistricting isn’t about fair representation—it’s about politicians picking their voters instead of voters choosing their leaders,” the Senate Democrat Caucus said in a statement. “And it doesn’t stop here. If they can gerrymander now, they can and will do it before every election.”
“That’s why we walked out – because this session should only be about flood relief, and we refuse to engage in a corrupt process.”
“When the system is being rigged to steal political power and ignore the needs of flood survivors, extraordinary measures are necessary. Our House colleagues are standing up for democracy, for the rule of law and for the millions of Texans who deserve to have their voices heard,” the caucus said.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), who presides over the Senate, issued a statement Tuesday regarding the vote.
“Today, the Texas Senate passed the new congressional map, including 5 new Republican majority districts. The Texas Senate will continue passing this map each legislative session to accurately reflect our state until House Democrats return from their ‘vacation’ and get back to work for the people of Texas.”