The long battle over Texas’ congressional map may reach a resolution on Wednesday, as Texas representatives prepare to vote on the proposed changes following delays caused by House Democrats.
Texas Republicans first called a special legislative session in June aimed at securing five additional House seats for President Donald Trump.
Previously, lawmakers were unable to vote because many House Democrats broke quorum and left the state in protest, leading the House to adjourn.
Tuesday’s vote, part of a second special legislative session, comes as protests are expected outside the Texas state Capitol.
Texas Capitol grounds closed after threat
Reports of a social media threat prompted the evacuation and closure of the state Capitol, with lawmakers still inside, on Tuesday.
Authorities reported that an online message was posted, urging others to head to the Capitol to harm those “preventing lawmakers from leaving,” as reported by affiliate KXAN.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said it was working to identify the person who posted the message.
Texas Rep. Nicole Collier stays at Capitol in protest
Before a planned demonstration in front of the House chamber in support of Rep. Nicole Collier, a Fort Worth Democrat who has stayed at the Capitol since Monday, DPS troopers cleared the building.
Collier has voiced her opposition to new rules requiring lawmakers who broke quorum to be monitored and escorted by law enforcement.
Other Democrats joined her, remaining in the chamber during the evacuation and overnight,
with armed officers guarding the doors.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris called Collier, expressing that her actions are “inspiring to many people,” as shown in a video shared by Texas House Democrats.
“I want you to know that you are among those whom history will remember as heroes of this moment,” Harris is heard saying in the video.
Outside the Capitol, Democrats are standing just as firm and have said they won’t be intimidated by Republicans.
Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows has made it clear he will do everything in his power to keep democrats from breaking quorum again.
