Here we go again, John:

Lawmakers return to the Capitol on Monday for a special session — though “special” isn’t the word I'd use. Chaotic? Exhausting? Unwelcome? That’s more like it.

But the Texas Lege didn’t ask me. And, as per usual, they certainly didn’t ask the people they’re elected to serve. If they did listen to us, maybe they’d be working on critical issues like improving infrastructure and protecting us from the effects of climate change. Instead? Among other political stunts, Gov. Abbott is calling for mid-decade redistricting.

What is redistricting, and why does it matter? 🤔

Redistricting is the process where lawmakers redraw our congressional and legislative district boundaries. It usually happens once every 10 years, after the census.

Redistricting itself is not a negative process. In theory, it’s neutral. Legislators are supposed to draw the maps with equal populations and without discriminating based on race or ethnicity. In practice? Not so much. Legislators tend to use the process to gerrymander: draw districts in ways that suppress and dilute the voting power of Black and brown communities so they can keep themselves in power. What’s especially unusual right now is that Gov. Abbott is calling for a mid-decade redraw of some of Texas’ congressional maps — well before the next census. This isn’t about representation. It's about keeping the GOP in power, and it's pushed directly by Trump.

Texas has long struggled with gerrymandering and voter suppression. This special session is a dangerous opportunity to make things even worse.

What is TFN doing to advocate during the special session? ⭐

The Legislature will move even more quickly and unpredictably than usual during the special session. Knowing this, we're already working alongside our advocacy partners and our allies at the Capitol to figure out the most strategic ways to fight back. We know you worked hard during the regular session and you deserve some rest, so we'll only call on you during the key moments.

In the meantime, if you’re able, please consider donating $5 to support our work. Every dollar really does help us stay ready to fight back at a moment's notice.

Hang on... Can we back up? What even is a special session? ✋

So glad you asked! We wrote a guide on special sessions back in 2023 when the Governor called a whopping FOUR of them to try to get school vouchers passed. Let's hope he sticks to one this year 😅

Thank you, as always, for being in this fight. We won't let up until Texas is truly representative, and governing power is back where it belongs: with the people.

Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella)

TFN Political Director

TFN is a statewide non-partisan, grassroots organization that is building an informed and effective movement working toward equality and social justice.

Texas Freedom Network
P.O. Box 1624
Austin, TX 78767
United States 
Phone: (512) 322-0545

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