Prof. Alex Madva: 'The Texas Democrats won by losing'
The Texas Democrats’ quorum-breaking walkout ultimately failed to stop a Republican gerrymander, but by "losing loudly" they drew national attention to GOP efforts, inspired Democratic governors in other states to counter with their own redistricting, and reinvigorated debate about protecting democracy.
Co-authored by Philosophy Professor Alex Madva, the op-ed argues that public, principled defeats can galvanize movements — much like past struggles for civil rights and LGBTQ rights — by dramatizing the stakes and building momentum over time.
This op-ed was originally published by on August 29, 2025.