A special legislative session in Texas is set to begin on Monday, focusing on the aftermath of the recent floods in Texas Hill Country and addressing allegations of gerrymandering concerning the state's House districts, as raised by Democrats.
The session comes in the wake of the devastating July 4 floods that resulted in over 130 fatalities, including at least 37 children, with nearly 100 individuals still unaccounted for.
While there is a bipartisan call for addressing the flood response, the session is complicated by partisan disputes, particularly regarding President Trump’s request for the Legislature to redraw congressional district maps to favor Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Governor Greg Abbott has also urged lawmakers to consider various conservative proposals during the 30-day session, including a ban on mail-order abortion pills, lowering property taxes, and a constitutional amendment empowering the state attorney general to prosecute election crimes.
State Representative Jon Rosenthal described the situation as "wild," noting a departure from previous sessions that had more limited agendas.
Public focus is likely to remain on flood-related issues, including improvements in warning systems, particularly outdoor sirens along the Guadalupe River, where most fatalities occurred, as stated by Republican agricultural commissioner Sid Miller.
The redistricting debate is expected to have national implications, with Democratic lawmakers considering a potential walkout to prevent Republicans from achieving a quorum.
Redistricting, typically handled every decade following the census, is contentious, with Republicans aiming to gain five additional seats in Texas, while claiming that current maps held by Black and Hispanic Democrats are unconstitutional.
Democrats are strategizing against the redistricting efforts, including the possibility of a walkout. However, this action comes with significant risks, as recent rules impose fines on lawmakers who do not attend.
Governor Abbott's agenda also includes measures that were not passed during the regular session, such as regulating intoxicating hemp products and additional election law enforcement powers for the attorney general.
With a deadline for filing to appear on the 2026 primary ballot approaching, any new district maps enacted during the special session may face legal challenges that could complicate their implementation.
As lawmakers prepare for the session, the urgency to respond to the flooding is underscored by Abbott's call for immediate action on related issues, while also pushing a broader conservative agenda.