Texas Democrats Flee State to Block Trump-Backed Redistricting Vote

In a bold move to block a Republican-backed redistricting plan supported by President Donald Trump, Texas House Democrats have fled the state, heading to Chicago to deny Republicans the quorum needed to pass the controversial map. The new congressional districts are designed to favor Republicans by adding five GOP-friendly seats, which Democrats argue is a racially biased gerrymander aimed at suppressing Black and Latino voters and rigging the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats emphasize that their walkout is a defense of democracy against a rigged system and accuse Governor Greg Abbott of using disaster relief as leverage to push the redistricting agenda. Republicans, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, have threatened fines and arrests for the absent lawmakers, with calls to bring them back to the Capitol. This tactic of walkouts to disrupt legislative processes has precedent both in Texas and other states, though consequences have varied. The dispute has escalated into a national battle over redistricting strategies, with Democratic leaders in other states, such as California, pledging to counteract similar GOP efforts.