Texas Democrats Flee Illinois, Boston to Block Redistricting Vote

A major redistricting battle is underway across several states, with Texas Republicans pushing to redraw congressional district lines and Democrats fleeing the state to block the legislation by denying a quorum. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to remove absent Democratic lawmakers or compel their return, while some Democrats have sought refuge in states like Illinois and New York, where governors have expressed support or are exploring their own redistricting options. In Missouri, Republicans backed by President Trump are also considering redistricting that could shift a House seat from Democrat to Republican, particularly targeting the district held by Emmanuel Cleaver in the Kansas City metro area. Experts warn that gerrymandering could undermine trust in government and harm democratic processes regardless of which party pursues it. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s redistricting is managed by courts due to legislative gridlock, with the current congressional map established by a judicial panel in 2022. These developments highlight ongoing tensions around redistricting efforts nationwide ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.