Texas Dems return to Capitol, tear up GOP agreements

Texas House Democrats returned to the chamber floor on Tuesday, tearing up written agreements with Republican leaders in a dramatic escalation of their protest against President Donald Trump’s redistricting push.

State of play: After returning to Austin Monday following their two-week walkout, several Democratic lawmakers tore up their “permission slips” before entering the House chamber Tuesday night. The lawmakers joined Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth), who had refused to sign the agreement requiring a Department of Public Safety (DPS) escort and remained on the House floor for over 24 hours, with Democrats livestreaming her protest for more than a day. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also called Collier Tuesday, encouraging her to “keep going.”

The lawmakers’ defiant actions come as Republicans prepare to advance congressional maps that could flip five House seats to GOP control ahead of 2026 midterms.

Anti-Asian attacks: The two-week standoff has been accompanied by racist attacks targeting certain members, including caucus leader Gene Wu (D-Houston), a Chinese American, and Rep. Salman Bhojani (D-Euless), a Muslim American.

Amid the Democratic walkout, State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) asked on social media, “Is Gene Wu back in China?” and later suggested “the CCP will take him back.” Meanwhile, Tarrant County GOP chair Bo French called for Bhojani’s deportation after he traveled to Pakistan for a family emergency, claiming he was trying to “further jihad.” Republican leaders largely stayed silent, contrasting with 2019 when Gov. Greg Abbott withdrew support from a legislator for anti-Asian remarks.

The redistricting vote could proceed as early as Wednesday morning, with Democrats having exhausted their legislative options to block the GOP maps.