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3w ago

Texas Democrats Stay in Illinois as Republicans Threaten Arrests and Seat Forfeiture

Their walkout has stalled a special session on a mid-decade congressional map set to create five GOP-leaning seats in response to President Trump’s redistricting push.

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A map of proposed plan for Texas' US Congressional Districts is seen at a public hearing on congressional redistricting in Austin, Texas, on Friday.
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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)

Overview

  • Over 50 Texas House Democrats fled to Illinois, denying the 100-member quorum required for legislative business.
  • President Trump publicly urged Texas Republicans to push a mid-decade redistricting effort that would add five GOP-leaning seats.
  • Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have authorized civil arrest warrants, daily $500 fines and potential seat forfeiture for absent lawmakers.
  • Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker provided logistical support and a staging ground for Democrats seeking to sustain the quorum break.
  • The walkout has also delayed critical flood relief legislation for communities hit by July’s deadly storms.