Texas Democrats Weigh Return to State in Redistricting Fight

Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, speaks during a news conference in Illinois on Aug. 5.Photographer: Audrey Richardson/Bloomberg

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By Joe Lovinger and Julie Fine

August 13, 2025 at 2:46 AM UTC

Updated on

August 13, 2025 at 4:56 PM UTC

Democratic lawmakers from Texas say they’re considering their options amid a report they could return to the state as soon as this weekend, a move that may end a standoff in which more than 50 state representatives left in a bid to block controversial new congressional maps backed by President Donald Trump.

While the Democrats vowed to stay out of Texas long enough to prevent a vote during a special session of the state legislature, Republican Governor Greg Abbott has pledged to call session after session to pass the redistricting proposal.