The Texas House of Representatives achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday by giving final approval to House Bill 4, a contentious proposal spearheaded by Republican lawmakers aimed at redrawing the state's congressional maps. This new legislation has the potential to create up to five additional GOP-leaning districts. Prior to the final vote, the bill required two separate approvals in the House, both of which passed with a margin of 88-52.
During the legislative session, which commenced at 10 a.m., lawmakers engaged in heated debates surrounding a variety of amendments proposed by the Democratic party. However, all proposed amendments were ultimately rejected by the Republican majority. The bill was the only item on the agenda for the day, highlighting its importance to the GOP.
Following the successful passage, former President Donald Trump celebrated on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!! Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself. Texas never lets us down.” He noted that other states like Florida and Indiana are considering similar measures.
The Texas Senate, which earlier approved a similar redistricting plan, is expected to review the House-passed bill on Thursday at 7 p.m. Should the Senate endorse the House version without amendments, the redistricting legislation could reach Governor Greg Abbott for his signature by the end of the week. If amendments are required, a conference committee will be convened to reconcile the differences.
This vote followed a dramatic standoff where Democratic lawmakers fled the state to break quorum, successfully stalling any action on the redistricting bill for two weeks. Governor Abbott called a second special session shortly after the first ended, prompting Democrats to return to the House chamber on Monday. The legislation was subsequently advanced out of the House redistricting committee along a strict party-line vote of 12-8.
In an effort to prevent further walkouts, House Speaker Dustin Burrows instituted new rules requiring Democratic members to be escorted by officers from the Department of Public Safety if they wished to leave the Capitol. While most complied, Representative Nicole Collier of Fort Worth resisted, resulting in her temporary confinement within the House chamber. Collier later filed a petition in state court, alleging illegal restraint from the government.
The day following the passage of HB 4, several Democrats joined Collier in protest, tearing up their escort agreements and spending the night in the Capitol. After the bill's passage, Republican leaders lifted the escort requirement. The new redistricting plan is projected to provide Republicans with a significant advantage in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Governor Abbott praised the House Republicans for their efforts in passing the redistricting bill, asserting that it better represents the will of Texas voters. He criticized the Democratic walkout as futile, asserting that Republicans remained committed to their duties. “Republicans stayed the course, stayed at work, and stayed true to Texas,” Abbott stated, emphasizing the importance of the legislation.
Responses from lawmakers were sharply divided. Democrats condemned the redistricting maps as racially discriminatory, pledging to challenge them legally. Representative Collier expressed disappointment, stating, “You need to be able to trust the voters to elect the candidate they want and keep them together in their same communities.” In contrast, Representative Katrina Pierson defended the maps, claiming they reflect recent voting trends and asserting that minority voters are increasingly aligning with Republican ideals.
Representative Venton Jones voiced his frustration, stating, “Once again, Republicans continue to make power grabs on the back of Black and Brown communities.” Meanwhile, Representative Mitch Little celebrated the outcome, highlighting a newfound unity among Republicans, and critiquing Democrats for their past redistricting efforts in other states.
As the debate on redistricting continues, CBS News Texas will provide ongoing updates on this critical issue that impacts the political landscape of Texas.
