Gov. Abbott Calls Surprise Special Session As Texas Dems’ Vacation Stunt Falls Apart

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called a new special legislative session to cover a sweeping array of bills as Democratic state lawmakers signal they might be ready to end their political stunt related to the redistricting controversy.

In a post on X, Abbott posted a memo announcing the special session. The Texas state legislature will take up legislation “that provides a congressional redistricting plan,” “to comprehensively regulate hemp-derived products,” reducing the property tax burden on Texans, and “to provide relief funding for response to and recovery from the storms which began in early July 2025.”

Governor @GregAbbott_TX today announced his Special Session #2 to begin immediately.

“I will continue to use all necessary tools to ensure Texas delivers results for Texans." - Governor Abbott

More here: https://t.co/2WqOvXhZNF pic.twitter.com/OkwE1kWft3
— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) August 15, 2025

The current session ended on Friday without addressing these legislative priorities due to the Democratic lawmakers’ decision to flee the state to hold up a vote on a redistricting plan that would give Republicans more seats in the House of Representatives.

The measure passed in the state Senate earlier this week.

Politico reported on Thursday that the erstwhile Democrats indicated they would return home after enjoying vacations in New York, Illinois, and other states.

Texas Democrats gave their clearest signal yet on Thursday that they will soon return to the Lone Star state, after decamping to stop the passage of a redrawn congressional map that adds five new GOP-leaning seats.
A statement from the state House Democratic Caucus said that the lawmakers will return on two conditions, both of which are expected this week. First, that the Texas Legislature ends its first special session on Friday, and second that California lawmakers introduce their expected proposal that could offset the GOP gains in Texas.