Nine Texas Democrats walked out of the State Senate chamber Tuesday to protest debate on the state GOP’s redistricting plan, which could give the party five extra congressional seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. Even so, the maneuver was symbolic, since the Dems were one member short from blocking the vote. State Sens. Judith Zaffrini, D-Laredo, and Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, remained seated during the walkout.