BREAKING: Texas Senate PASSES New Congressional Map — Democrats WALK OUT in Protest

A major development unfolded in Austin on Tuesday as the Texas Senate approved a contentious new congressional map, despite a dramatic walkout by Democrats. The map, seen as favorable to Republicans, passed by a 19–2 vote. This move comes amid a larger political struggle that has paralyzed the Texas House, where Democrats continue to boycott the session in protest.

The Senate vote proceeded after nine of the eleven Democratic senators walked out in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with their colleagues in the House, who left the state to deny quorum and stall the map’s passage. Despite the walkout, a quorum remained intact because two Democratic senators—Judith Zaffirini and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa—remained and cast their votes against the proposal.

Republican leaders quickly praised the passage. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick declared the Senate “will continue passing this map each legislative session” until the absent House Democrats return to finish the process. The map now moves to the Texas House, where its fate remains uncertain as long as the quorum-breaking Democrats remain out of the state.

The absence of House Democrats has brought the lower chamber to a standstill for over a week. In response, Governor Greg Abbott and other Republican leaders have threatened repeated special legislative sessions if the Democrats don’t return—and even pursued legal actions including arrest warrants and fines for absent lawmakers.

Democrats argue the redistricting effort disenfranchises minority and urban communities. They describe the process as politically motivated, labeling it “gerrymandering” that lets politicians choose their voters, not the other way around. Nevertheless, Republicans assert the redistricting reflects updated population data and court mandates, claiming no law is being broken.

This standoff has sparked attention beyond Texas. Democratic governors in states such as California and New York have pledged counter-redistricting strategies in response, and nationwide discourse around election fairness and congressional power stakes has intensified.

As the current special session inches toward its conclusion, Democrats remain in strategic limbo, while Republicans stand poised to call further sessions until the map is finalized. The battle underscores a deepening partisan divide and may significantly impact the 2026 U.S. House elections.