John,

Earlier today, more than 50 Democratic lawmakers left the state, denying a quorum and halting the progression of a draconian voter suppression bill at the Texas Legislature. This is the second time Democratic lawmakers have used this tactic in response to Republican efforts to make it harder to vote in what is already one of the hardest states in which to cast a ballot.

This is a historic day for Texas. Advocates, voters, and strong legislators have spoken out for months against the voter suppression efforts of the Republican Party, and this second walkout is an example of how much we will all fight to protect our democratic right to vote.

Gov. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick have proven willing to take extreme measures to advance an agenda that attacks Texans’ rights and diminishes Texas’ democracy. And extreme measures call for an extraordinary response. Today’s action by more than 50 Democratic lawmakers rejects their patently corrupt special legislative session and is a critical step toward blocking this assault on Texans’ rights in its tracks.

By denying a quorum to a power grab by Gov. Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick, these Democratic lawmakers are listening to Texans and taking a critical stand for the future of our state’s democracy.

The Texas Freedom Network applauds them and will similarly not rest until our lawmakers once again focus on the issues actually facing Texans today, like COVID and our crumbling power grid.

In the fight,

Val Benavidez
TFN President