TL/DR –
Dozens of Texas Democrats have left the state to deny the quorum required for a redrawing of Texas’s electoral map, which could see Republicans gain up to five extra seats. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to expel and potentially extradite the Democrats, labeling them as possible “felons”. The Democrats have traveled to Illinois, Boston, and Albany, with many expressing fears over potential arrests.
Texas Redistricting Clash As Democrats Shelter in Illinois to Deny Quorum
In a redistricting face-off in Texas, dozens of state Democrats took refuge about 1,000 miles away in Carol Stream, Illinois on Sunday. They claimed to have fled Texas to block Republican efforts to gain up to five more congressional seats in their map.
Texas’ Republican Governor threatened expulsion and possible extradition of these Democrats from the Texas state House, denoting them as potential \”felons.\”
On Sunday night, the Texas state House Democrats joined Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker in a crowded county party headquarters, protesting what they dubbed a racist and undemocratic attempt to manipulate Texas’ political map.
Gov. Abbott’s Threats and Democrats’ Concerns
Approximately 57 Democrats have left Texas, most of whom are residing in Illinois for the meantime, according to Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu.
Wu conveyed the group’s fear that some members might be arrested for defying a special session call. Wu stressed that the governor can’t dispatch state troopers to Illinois but expressed concern over President Trump’s potential actions.
Texas Gov. Abbott’s Response
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to invoke an attorney general’s opinion on Monday afternoon, which he believed would authorize the removal of these Democrats from the Texas House if they failed to return by 3 p.m. CT.
Abbott suggested these legislatures might have committed felonies if they are \”soliciting funds to evade the fines they will incur under House rules.\”
The Texas Democrats may face a $500-a-day fine. This penalty was approved in 2023, two years after Democrats left the state for three weeks to impede an elections bill.
Texas Democrats’ Plans and Pritzker’s Involvement
The Democrats’ future plans remained uncertain, with Wu indicating their intention to stay in Illinois. Illinois Gov. Pritzker, who had met with the Texas caucus and instructed his staff to arrange their stay, denied funding the Texas lawmakers or helping them pay potential fines.
Last week, Texas Republicans proposed a new congressional map, following President Trump’s public demand for a new map. This move targets current Democratic members of Congress in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and two endangered Democrats representing south Texas districts that Trump won last year.
By Natasha Korecki from Chicago, and Ryan Chandler from Austin, Texas.
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