Texas Senate Democrats Mark 60th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act With National Call to Action in Boston

BOSTON, MA – On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, the Texas Senate

Democratic Caucus organized legislators from more than 35 states to reaffirm a simple but urgent truth: democracy only works when it includes all of us.

“Texas has long been ground zero in the fight for voting rights—from the poll tax and Jim Crow to the modern-day closures of polling places and criminalization of voting errors,” said Senator Carol Alvarado, Chair of the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus. “Since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in 2013, Texas has led the nation in passing laws designed to silence voters—especially Black, Latino, Asian and Indigenous Texans.”

Standing just steps away from the birthplace of the American Revolution, Texas lawmakers drew a direct line between the founding ideals of democracy and today’s coordinated assault on representative government.

“We came to Boston to remind America we don’t have a king here—we have a Constitution,” said Alvarado. “The spirit of rebellion that was born here lives in every community that refuses to be silenced. Texas will not go quietly into the night, and neither should you.”

The press conference highlighted the Texas GOP’s attempt to redraw congressional lines mid- decade, without new census data—at the demand of President Donald Trump.

“This isn’t redistricting,” Alvarado continued. “This is tyranny in real time. They’re manipulating maps because they can’t manipulate the will of the people. They’re suppressing voters instead of earning their trust. And in doing so, they’re shredding one of the last threads of faith the public has in our system of government.”

Senator Royce West of Dallas emphasized that what’s happening in Texas isn’t just partisan—it’s racial. “Let me give you some evidence,” he said. Referring to Downtown Dallas, West said, “When you have one of the districts that’s being packed with African Americans and all of the economic engines are being taken out… the business community in the African-American District…the healthcare centers, universities, law schools—is being carved out of [Black districts]. This is not about politics. This is about power—and race.”

West also pushed back on the false narrative that Texas legislators are fleeing their responsibilities. “We’re not fleeing. We’re doing just like Paul Revere did…we’re spreading the word… Redistricting is coming.”

Senator José Menéndez of San Antonio, Chair of the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus, closed with a stark warning. “We have a man who says he’s entitled to five new congressional districts from Texas. When he was asked if he was thinking about running again, he said, “I haven’t made up my mind. That’s not democracy. That’s delusion.”

“I want you to think about all the Americans who have fought and died for free and fair elections–soldiers defending the right to vote in other countries,” Menéndez continued. “What do they think about us now?” he continued. “They are trying to say this is just partisan politics–but it’s not. This isn’t about party lines. It’s about right and wrong.”

As the special session in Texas continues, Senate Democrats say they remain focused on what really matters: ensuring that every Texan has a voice—and that every vote counts.

“Let’s be clear—this so-called mid-decade redistricting is nothing more than a modern-day poll tax,” said Senator Borris Miles of Houston. “It’s another way to discriminate against Black and Brown voters in the state of Texas. But this isn’t just about us—after Texas, it’ll be your state. After your state, it’ll be the entire country.”

Miles called on legislators, advocates, and communities nationwide to act before it’s too late.

“We stop it now. We stop him now. We keep our faith. We keep our fight. And together—we win.”

“On this 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act,” said Alvarado, “let us be as bold as those who marched in Selma. We will not go back. We will not be silent. And we will win.”

The Texas Democratic Senators in attendance were: Senator Carol Alvarado (Chair), Senator Nathan Johnson (Vice Chair), along with Senators César Blanco, Molly Cook, Sarah Eckhardt, Roland Gutierrez, José Menéndez, Borris Miles, and Royce West.