Members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus who broke quorum during the summer of 2025 to delay a vote on a Republican-backed congressional redistricting map are now facing financial penalties. According to a notice distributed Tuesday, each absent lawmaker was fined approximately $9,354 to cover absence-related costs incurred by the Texas House.
The fines stem from a two-week period during which Democratic lawmakers left the state in an effort to prevent the Texas House of Representatives from reaching the quorum required to conduct business. By leaving Texas for Democratic-led states such as Illinois, the caucus aimed to delay passage of the GOP-favored redistricting proposal and draw national attention to their objections.
Background on the Quorum Break
The quorum break occurred during a special legislative session called to consider the congressional redistricting map. Democrats argued that the Legislature’s focus on redistricting was inappropriate in the aftermath of severe flooding in Central Texas on July 4, which caused widespread damage and loss.
Democratic lawmakers also contended that the redistricting effort was politically motivated, claiming it was designed to fulfill President Donald Trump’s stated desire to gain “five more” Republican seats in Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. They described the map as “racist” and harmful to minority representation.
Republicans rejected those claims, maintaining that the map was drawn based on political considerations rather than racial ones. GOP leaders pointed to Republican electoral gains among Hispanic voters in the 2024 election as evidence that the districts were not racially discriminatory.
Legislative Outcome
The initial quorum break successfully prevented the Legislature from acting during the first special session, effectively killing that session without a vote on the map. However, Gov. Greg Abbott soon called a second special session. Democratic lawmakers returned to the Capitol on August 18, shortly after that session began.
During the second special session, the redistricting map passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature and was signed into law. Although the map faced multiple legal challenges, it was ultimately allowed to move forward for use in the 2026 midterm elections following a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in early December.
Details of the Fines
State Rep. Charlie Geren (R–Fort Worth), who chairs the Committee on House Administration, formally notified Texas House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu (D–Houston) of the fines. In his letter, Geren wrote:
“The Committee on House Administration has previously provided you with an estimate of the fines and costs you incurred for your failure to appear in response to the calls of the House ordered for the First and Second Called Sessions of the 89th Legislature.”
Geren further explained that committee staff confirmed the lawmakers were absent for 14 calendar days:
“The committee staff reconfirmed that you were absent 14 calendar days for the purpose of impeding the action of the House. Thus, the following total represents the fines and pro rata share of the costs incurred in securing your attendance…”
The fines reflect penalties outlined in House rules, as well as a share of the costs associated with attempting to compel absent members to return.
Democratic Response
The Texas House Democratic Caucus responded to the notice in a press release issued Tuesday. The caucus defended its actions and criticized Republican priorities during the special sessions, stating:
“Faced with Republican inaction on flooding and voting rights, we took action, and every day we were gone, we did exactly what our constituents wanted us to do: fight for them.”
The statement also challenged the legitimacy of the fines:
“Breaking quorum is a constitutional right, and we will use every tool available to challenge these fines.”
What Happens Next
Lawmakers who were fined have until February 9 to formally dispute the penalties with Geren’s office. It remains unclear whether the fines will be reduced, overturned, or upheld, and whether additional legal or procedural challenges may follow.
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