Texas Democrats leave state in effort to halt GOP redistricting plan

Texas Democrats have traveled to Chicago in an effort to delay the passage of a new congressional map that favors the Republican Party for the 2026 midterm elections. After a state House committee advanced the map, Democrats decided to flee Texas to break quorum, a requirement for voting on legislation. Over 51 Democratic lawmakers reportedly headed to Chicago, where they plan to hold a news conference with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Governor Pritzker has offered logistical support for the Texas Democrats staying in Chicago. At least 30 Democrats are expected to remain in Chicago for the next week, escalating their fight against the state's redistricting plan, which has the backing of President Donald Trump. Texas House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu stated that they are leaving Texas to fight for Texans and will not allow disaster relief to be held hostage by a "Trump gerrymander." He also described the current special session as "corrupt" and noted that disaster relief legislation cannot be voted on unless Governor Greg Abbott calls another special session. The redistricting plan aims to create five additional GOP-favored seats, potentially helping Republicans maintain their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.