Texas House Democrats Walk Out to Block Mid-Decade Redistricting — Return After Attorney General Threatens Law Enforcement to Compel Attendance

Texas House Democrats left the state to deny the quorum needed to pass Trump-backed mid-decade redistricting legislation, replicating a tactic used in 2003 and 2021. The walkout lasted two weeks before Democrats returned after Attorney General Ken Paxton threatened law enforcement action to compel attendance and the chamber imposed escalating fines. The bill passed 88-52 along party lines on August 20, 2025. Gov. Greg Abbott, initially reluctant, agreed after Trump called him directly. One Democrat called the final map "Donald Trump's map."