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3w ago

Texas Democrats Stall GOP Redistricting by Denying Quorum

Their refuge in Illinois under Governor Pritzker’s protection has prompted GOP officials to issue civil arrest warrants, daily fines, seat forfeiture

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Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu along with other members of the Texas House are joined by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as they speak about Texas Republican plans to redraw the House map office during a press conference at the Democratic Party of DuPage County office in Carol Stream, IL on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Black)
Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu along with other members of the Texas House are joined by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as they speak about Texas Republican plans to redraw the House map office during a press conference at the Democratic Party of DuPage County office in Carol Stream, IL on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Black)

Overview

  • More than 50 Texas Democratic representatives fled to Illinois, depriving the House of the 100-member quorum needed to vote on the new congressional map.
  • The GOP-backed plan targets four majority-minority districts cited by the Justice Department and aims to produce five additional Republican-leaning U.S. House seats.
  • Republican officials have issued civil arrest warrants, imposed $500 daily fines and threatened seat forfeiture to compel the absent lawmakers’ return.
  • Democrats portray their walkout as a moral stand to protect communities of color and prevent partisan mapmaking from undermining electoral fairness.
  • Governors J.B. Pritzker in Illinois and Kathy Hochul in New York have provided refuge and support, highlighting the national stakes of the Texas showdown.