Sun Aug 03 22:01:02 UTC 2025: ## Texas Democrats Flee State to Block GOP Redistricting Plan
**Austin, TX** – In a dramatic move, Texas Democrats have fled the state en masse in a bid to prevent the Republican-controlled House of Representatives from voting on new congressional maps favored by former President Donald Trump. The redistricting plan, which Republicans hope will net them several additional US House seats in the 2026 midterm elections, has sparked fierce opposition.
At least 51 of the 62 Democratic members of the Texas House have reportedly left the state to prevent a quorum, a tactic that could expose them to fines and other penalties. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has previously threatened to arrest lawmakers who employ such measures, though the legality of such action is questionable.
Democrats characterize their departure as a last-ditch effort to stop Republicans from pushing through a rare mid-decade redrawing of the congressional map at the behest of Trump, who reportedly wants to avoid a repeat of the Democratic takeover of the House in 2018.
“This is not a decision we make lightly, but it is one we make with absolute moral clarity,” stated Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus. “Apathy is complicity, and we will not be complicit in the silencing of hard-working communities.”
This marks the second time in four years that Texas Democrats have resorted to leaving the state to block legislation. In 2021, they staged a 38-day walkout to Washington, DC, to protest new voting restrictions.
Republican Governor Greg Abbott has called a special session to address the redistricting effort, alongside addressing the aftermath of recent flooding in Texas Hill Country. Republicans unveiled their proposed new US House map last week, which aims to create five new Republican-leaning seats. Currently, Republicans hold 25 of the state’s 38 congressional seats. The vote was planned for Monday.
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