The redistricting standoff in Texas deepened Wednesday as most Senate Democrats skipped the day’s legislative session, traveling instead to Massachusetts to hold a press conference alongside Gov. Maura Healey in opposition to the Republican-led redistricting effort.
Their absence left only 21 of 30 senators present, barely reaching the two-thirds quorum required to conduct business. Notably, the chamber’s current membership count has dropped to 30 following the resignation of Sen. Kelly Hancock, who is now serving as acting comptroller. Until his replacement is seated, the Senate must have 20 members present to meet a quorum.
Only two Democrats—Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Sen. Chuy Hinojosa—were in attendance, joining all 19 Republicans in the chamber. In a rare move, the Senate voted 2–19 against excusing the absences of the missing Democrats, a largely symbolic but pointed rebuke. Such a vote is uncommon, but it reflects the more serious tone that lawmakers have taken toward this quorum break compared to earlier incidents.
Under Senate rules, lawmakers who deliberately break quorum can face the loss of all seniority privileges traditionally granted within the body.
The Senate’s action follows the ongoing quorum break in the Texas House, where Democrats have fled the state to block a redistricting plan that would add five new GOP-leaning congressional seats.
Gov. Greg Abbott has already ordered arrests of House members who remain in Texas and has filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Democrat Caucus Chair Gene Wu from office.
With a slim quorum, the Senate has continued to pass legislation and is slated to hold hearings on redistricting this week.
The House is expected to attempt quorum again on Friday.
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