Sen. Carol Alvarado plans to filibuster in last-ditch effort to prevent Texas redistricting bill

AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) -- In a last-stand move to halt the Texas redistricting bill from being passed, Democrat Senator Carol Alvarado is planning to filibuster the impending legislation on Friday afternoon, according to her office.

If you recall, the Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives has approved a new congressional map that would overwhelmingly favor the party in the 2026 midterms.

RELATED: Legal expert explains what's next in Texas redistricting battle

The move has drawn criticism, with Democrats calling the maps racist, stating that the maps are unconstitutionally drawn based on race and are a violation of the Voting Rights Act.

The initial vote was delayed by Texas Democrats for 15 days, by leaving the state in protest, depriving the House of enough members to do business.They eventually returned and continued against it, but it was quickly approved and pushed through.

In response to the Texas Republicans' efforts, California Governor Gavin Newsom held a special session to seek approval of redrawn districts that would counteract the move and give Democrats five more seats in the U.S. House for the fight for control of Congress. The two California bills were signed on Thursday.

RELATED: California moving forward with partisan redistricting effort to counter Texas' move

Now, as the fight continues on Friday, Senator Alvarado from Texas posted on social media a pair of shoes, saying she planned to filibuster congressional maps.

Back in Aug. 2021, Alvarado of Houston once stood for 15 hours and 7 minutes in a marathon filibuster to defend voting rights. She was seen stretching, speaking slowly, and unable to sit while wearing a back brace.

According to records, Alvarado holds the record for the longest filibuster by a female senator.

To complete a filibuster in Texas, the rules are as follows: