Why not leave to make a point?
The Texas House Democratic Caucus met the goal of preventing the redistricting bill from passing during the First Called Special Session and shined a spotlight making Texas redistricting into a national issue, inspiring other states to join the fight.
After the Senate walk-out during the redistricting bill vote, Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) said, "We (Senate Democrats) all agreed to have at least two Members (Senator Zaffirini and Senator "Chuy" Hinojosa) on the floor asking questions.”
After spending 45 days in New Mexico to break quorum and stop Texas' early mid-decade redistricting in 2003, Senator Judith Zaffirini and I learned that this method can delay, but not stop, the bill. Being present is an opportunity to register opposition and to ask questions to secure critical information for the lawsuit.
Was voting "No" on the Senato Floor important?
Yes, voting “no” was important because it officially showed our opposition. Being at the Capitol helps create a clear record for the upcoming legal fight against a redistricting map that violates the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution.
Are you prioritizing the agenda of President Trump and Governor Abbott over democratic principles?
I would never abandon the values of our democracy, nor would I priorities the interests of President Trump and Governor Abbott over the citizens of Texas and our voters.
My record shows my commitment to these issues, and l take my oath of office seriously. I do not bend my knee tor any party, entity, or individual, This principle guided me during my service as a United States Marine in Vietnam and continues to guide me in my work for my district in the Texas Senate.
Can Texas Democrats stop the bill's passage?
No, the Republican majorities in the Texas Senate and House have enough votes to pass it. While breaking quorum can delay SB 4 and related bills, Governor Abbott has said he will keep calling “another special session and another” until the bill is passed. Since Democrats can't stay away forever, passage will eventually happen.
The absence of nine Senate Democrats during the redistricting discussion was intended to express our solidarity with the House Democrats. Seven of them returned to the chamber forcefully and effectively expressing our unified opposition to SB 4. If all the Senate Democrats had stayed and voted no, it would have delayed its final passage in the Senate during the First Special Session by only one day.
Is there a winning strategy for the Democrats?
With Republicans in charge of both chambers, they use every tool to gerrymander district and secure more seats, including delaying elections and declaring seats vacant. So, our best chance is in the courts. The passage of the bill is inevitable. The sooner Democratic lawyers can file a lawsuit, the better. They need enough time to seek a judicial remedy without delaying the elections.
This strategy also carries risks, especially with many Trump appointees on the U.S. Supreme Court. However, it offers the best chance for Democrats to fight this unconstitutional mid-decade redistricting. Anyone who cares about our democracy should focus on educating voters about why this power grab is harmful and work together to support our democratic values and get more people to vote in the next election.
The above guest column was penned by state Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen, Texas. The column first appeared on Sen. Hinojosa's social media pages.
