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1h ago

Texas Map Fight Intensifies: Collier Stays on House Floor as GOP Plan Nears House Vote

The remap seeks up to five new GOP‑leaning U.S. House seats at President Trump’s urging.

State Rep. Nicole Collier talks on the phone from the floor of the House, where she has chosen to remain until Wednesday, after Democratic lawmakers who had left the state to prevent Republicans from redrawing Texas’s 38 congressional districts returned to the Capitol in Austin, Texas, U.S., August 18, 2025. Collier is staying in the chamber because she did not want to sign the required permission slip allowing lawmakers to leave the Capitol under escort by Department of Public Safety agents. Texas House of Representatives Minority Leader Gene Wu/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. REFILE - CORRECTING INFORMATION FROM "U.S. REP." TO "STATE REP.\
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Protesters cheer on Texas State Representative Nicole Collier after she chose to remain in the Texas House chamber until Wednesday after Democratic lawmakers who left the state to deny Republicans the opportunity to redraw the state's 38 congressional districts, returned to the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, U.S., August 18, 2025. Collier is staying because she did not want to sign the required permission slip that would allow lawmakers to leave the Capitol under escort by Department of Public Safety agents. REUTERS/Nuri Vallbona
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Overview

  • House Speaker Dustin Burrows required Democrats who broke quorum to accept Texas DPS custody before leaving the chamber, and most complied with written 'permission slips'.
  • Rep. Nicole Collier refused the monitoring order, spent the night in the Capitol, and was allowed to move within the building but not exit without an escort as supporters rallied outside.
  • The House redistricting committee advanced a revised congressional map out of committee, positioning the plan for full House consideration where reporting indicates passage is likely.
  • Republicans argue the proposal lawfully increases their representation, while Democrats, led by Minority Leader Gene Wu, say it dilutes minority voting power and will be challenged in court.
  • Democrats point to a widening cross‑state fight as California leaders move a Nov. 4 referendum to redraw their map in response to anticipated Texas gains.