Texas Democrats End Two-Week Walkout Over US House Maps as Redistricting Battle Escalates

After more than two weeks, Texas Democrats have announced that they will end their walkout, which had stalled Republican efforts to redraw the state’s US House districts, according to a report published by The Associated Press on Monday. The Republicans aimed to increase their advantage following President Donald Trump’s push to secure a stronger GOP majority for the 2026 midterms.

The Democrats left Texas on August 3 to prevent a quorum, effectively blocking the controversial map that would add five seats leaning toward GOP, the report said. With California Democrats reportedly moving forward with plans to redraw their own congressional maps in response, Texas Democrats have said that they will return for a second special session.

A National Redistricting Fight

Texas and California, the two most populous American states, are at the center of a growing national battle over congressional boundaries. The reshaping of districts in both states could swing the balance of power in the US House of Representatives.

The Texas House was scheduled to reconvene on Monday to attempt efforts aimed at achieving quorum. Republican Governor Greg Abbott, acting on President Trump’s stated request, put redistricting back on the agenda to fortify the GOP’s seemingly narrow hold on the House, the report said.

Redistricting usually happens once in every decade after the census, but this mid-decade effort to redraw is highly unusual, and is therefore being perceived as contentious.

California’s Countermove

Meanwhile, California Democrats — holding supermajorities in both state chambers — revealed a proposal last Friday that could boost their party’s US House seats by five, countering Texas GOP gains. Governor Gavin Newsom announced a special referendum on November 4, giving voters the final say on the new maps.

Texas Democrats say they are stepping back now because California’s action balances the fight. This redistricting tug-of-war will likely continue in courtrooms and legislatures nationwide as both parties aim to secure an edge for 2026.

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