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15h ago

Texas House Vote Stalled After Democrats Flee State to Block Trump-Backed Map

Gov. Abbott’s untested threats of fines and arrest hang over the session

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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)
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Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker speaks near Texas State Rep. Gene Wu and Texas State Rep. Trey Martinez as Democratic lawmakers from Texas hold a press conference, after leaving their state to deny Republicans the quorum needed to redraw the state's 38 congressional districts, in Carol Stream, Illinois, U.S. August 3, 2025. REUTERS/Tom Krawczyk

Overview

  • In early August, 51 Texas House Democrats fled to Illinois and New York to deny the chamber its 100-member quorum and block a scheduled vote on the new congressional map.
  • Texas Republicans advanced a rare mid-decade redistricting plan backed by President Trump to create five additional Republican-leaning U.S. House districts.
  • Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have threatened missing lawmakers with $500 daily fines, removal from office and possible arrest if they do not return.
  • With no quorum, the Texas House postponed the redistricting vote and the special session now hinges on its August 19 deadline.
  • Governors J.B. Pritzker, Kathy Hochul and Gavin Newsom have offered sanctuary to the absent Democrats, fueling discussion of counter-redistricting measures in their states.