Democratic Texas state senator outfitted with catheter, urine bag for redistricting bill filibuster
Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado is going to great lengths to oppose a Republican-led redistricting bill, launching a filibuster Friday night with no intention of yielding the floor—or taking a bathroom break.
The Houston Democrat, 57, came prepared for what could be a marathon session. According to multiple reports, Alvarado had a catheter and urine bag discreetly placed under a long, blue floral dress, which she specifically purchased for the occasion. A video shared by the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus shows her carefully making her way into the chamber in that outfit, ready for the long night ahead.
“Going to be a long night,” Alvarado posted on social media after formally notifying Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) of her intent to filibuster House Bill 4, the controversial redistricting measure.
To ensure she could endure hours of speaking without pause, Alvarado reportedly ate barbecue the night before, underwent IV hydration therapy, and even took a hot yoga class to prepare herself physically.
“I’ve been prepping for a few days,” she told The Washington Post.
Alvarado is no stranger to high-stakes standoffs. In 2021, she set a state record with a 15-hour-and-seven-minute filibuster against an election reform bill that restricted voting access, including bans on drive-thru and 24-hour voting.
The current redistricting proposal—approved earlier this week by the Texas House—is expected to pass the GOP-controlled Senate and could net Republicans up to five additional seats in Congress. Democrats argue the bill is a partisan power grab aimed at diluting the voting strength of communities of color.
In a similar effort to delay the legislation, more than 50 Democratic members of the Texas House fled the state for two weeks earlier this summer to block a quorum.
While the outcome of the bill may be inevitable, Alvarado’s filibuster is a powerful symbolic stand in the ongoing battle over voting rights and political representation in Texas.
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