Former President Barack Obama shared a message with Texas Democrats on Thursday as dozens remain out-of-state to block Republicans from adopting a new congressional map. While they settled on returning after the special legislative session officially ends Friday, according to State Representative Gene Wu of Houston, they’re not giving up “the fight to protect voting rights,” and they’re being backed in their efforts by the 44th president.
Wu, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, thanked Obama on X Thursday for meeting with the lawmakers on Zoom and said they were “encouraged” by what he told them.
Obama responded, sharing that he was “so proud” of their efforts.
“I am so proud of the @TexasHDC and the work that they’ve done,” he said. “Their willingness to put themselves on the line to highlight the current assault on our democracy has set an example for what all of us have to do.”
I am so proud of the @TexasHDC and the work that they’ve done. Their willingness to put themselves on the line to highlight the current assault on our democracy has set an example for what all of us have to do. https://t.co/jA2giVOMW1
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 15, 2025
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced earlier this week that he is prepared to call a second special session on Friday.
Governor @GregAbbott_TX announced today that he will call Special Session #2 immediately if there is no quorum on Friday.
— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) August 12, 2025
Special Session #2 will have the exact same agenda.
There will be no reprieve for derelict Democrats who fled the state.
More: https://t.co/A4d2T9K3TJ pic.twitter.com/HSpleHW8AW
The derelict Democrats may as well start voting in the blue gerrymandered states they’re hiding in.
— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) August 14, 2025
Governor @GregAbbott_TX will call special session after special session until priorities critical to Texans are passed.
No matter how long it takes. pic.twitter.com/NC8LppmJ4D