Texas House Democrats on Wednesday plan to offer an amendment that would block a Republican redistricting effort until the complete release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Why it matters: The Democratic effort,

About 200 are gathered in the rotunda for a rally supporting Democrats as Republicans prepare to approve new congressional maps on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.

The move will allow Republicans to move forward with their plan to redraw Texas' congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Texas Republicans are likely to pass their redistricting plans on Wednesday following weeks of Democrat protests

Some Texas state House Democrats are refusing to leave the chamber, after Republicans required them to sign a form allowing Department of Public Safety troopers to follow them.

As state leaders threaten a redraw of their maps, Republicans may have an advantage over their Democratic counterparts due to local laws impeding partisan gerrymandering attempts.

Texas Democrats plan to end their walkout over redistricting, returning only if Gov. Abbott concludes the special session, amid ongoing tensions surrounding district redraws.

Democrats have struggled to find effective ways to oppose President Donald Trump, and even some Democratic voters describe the party as weak.