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22h ago

Texas Democrats Flee to Illinois, Denying Quorum on Trump-Backed Redistricting Plan

The flight of more than 50 Democrats to Illinois halts the special session’s vote on a newly drawn congressional map, exposing Republicans to fines, arrest threats and looming counter-gerrymanders

A map of U.S Congressional Districts proposed Plan is seen a Texas legislators' public hearing on congressional redistricting in Austin, Texas, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The Texas capitol is seen on July 21 in Austin, Texas.

Overview

  • Over 50 Democratic legislators flew to Chicago on August 3, preventing the Texas House from reaching the 100-member quorum needed to begin floor debate on House Bill 4.
  • A July 31 party-line committee vote advanced the GOP-drafted map that would carve out five additional Republican-leaning districts for the 2026 midterms.
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker arranged housing and meeting space for the lawmakers and signaled support for potential redistricting in blue states if Texas proceeds.
  • Absent members face fines of $500 per day under Texas House rules and the threat of arrest warrants issued by Attorney General Ken Paxton.
  • Republicans must pass the map by the August 19 special-session deadline or call another session, even as Voting Rights Act lawsuits and reciprocal redraw threats loom.