Actually derailing the redistricting effort, which was one of nearly 20 items added to the special session agenda by Gov. Greg Abbott, would be a herculean lift fraught with risk for legislative Democrats. Delaying the process with a walkout would require strong participation by most of the party's caucus, and could carry steep financial costs.

Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) warned that GOP redistricting efforts in the Lone Star State represent a “five-alarm fire” and urged Democrats to push back. “This is a five-alarm fire, what’s happening in Texas.