Texas Senate Democratic Caucus Statement in Support of House Democrats’ Stand Against Rigged Redistricting

AUSTIN, TX—Today, the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus issued the following statement applauding members of the House Democratic Caucus for denying quorum to protect Texans’ voting rights:

“We applaud our House colleagues for taking courageous action to defend the voting rights of all Texans. They’re using the power they have—and the only tool left to them—to stand up for the Texans they represent and protect the principle of fair elections for all.

“The contrast is stark. Texans need solutions—on flooding, health care, schools, jobs, the costs of housing and groceries. Yet, the House’s first scheduled floor vote this special session is on a rigged redistricting map that disenfranchises millions of voters, especially minorities. Not a single flooding bill has been heard in either chamber.

“This push to redraw lines is not only unnecessary, it completely ignores the real needs and priorities of the people we serve. Let’s be clear: We should be singularly focused this special session on flood relief, not redrawing maps to save a President from voters holding him and those who voted for an unpopular bill—cutting critical services for working families like Medicaid, CHIP & SNAP to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy—accountable.

“Breaking quorum is never done lightly. We take seriously our oath to represent our constituents. But when the system is being rigged to steal political power and ignore the needs of flood survivors, extraordinary measures are necessary. Our House colleagues are standing up for democracy, for the rule of law and for the millions of Texans who deserve to have their voices heard. We stand with them—and with every Texan who believes voters should choose their elected officials, not the other way around.”