Texas Democrats Protest GOP Redistricting, Budget Cuts

More than a dozen Texas House Democrats temporarily left the state for California and Illinois to discuss responses to federal budget cuts and a controversial mid-decade redistricting plan. The Democrats criticize the redistricting as partisan and potentially unconstitutional, arguing it is designed to boost Republican seats at President Trump's urging and diminish minority representation. Their departure, which did not break quorum as they planned to return the same day, followed chaotic redistricting hearings that drew public opposition and raised concerns about voting rights. Texas Republicans, led by Governor Greg Abbott, added redistricting to the special session agenda, though such redrawing usually occurs only once a decade. Democrats contend the legislature should prioritize disaster relief for Central Texas flooding victims over political maneuvering. The situation has heightened tensions over legislative priorities, transparency, and the broader implications for democracy in Texas.