The Texas House on Wednesday passed a newly drawn congressional map that would give Republicans five extra seats in the U.S. House.
The bill passed the state House Wednesday evening in an 88–52 vote, following an earlier procedural vote that passed with the same tally. The votes followed several hours of debate.
The bill now heads back to the state Senate before it can make it to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
They returned after two conditions were met: the end of the first special session and California's introduction of a redrawn congressional map that would respond to Texas's redistricting by seeking to add five Democratic seats in California.
"Trump thought he could easily get his way in Texas with compliant Republicans, but Democrats fought back ferociously and took the fight to Trump across America. We will return to the House floor and to the courthouse with a clear message: the fight to protect voting rights has only just begun."
"We will not back down from this fight. That's why I am calling them back today to finish the job. I will continue to use all necessary tools to ensure Texas delivers results for Texans."
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows on Aug. 18 announced that the chamber had a quorum after Democrats returned to the state.
"Now is the time for action," he said. "We will move quickly."
The map redraw would eliminate a Democratic district in the Austin area and cause a possible race between Democratic Reps. Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar.
In response to Texas's redistricting, California has announced it will also redraw its congressional map.
"This moment calls for urgency and action," he said.
"That is what we are putting before voters this November, a chance to fight back."