Democratic lawmakers in Texas left the state Sunday to block a vote on new congressional maps that could give Republicans five more U.S. House seats, aligning with Donald Trump’s push to secure a GOP majority in 2026. The proposed map targets Democratic-held districts in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and South Texas, and was approved in committee on a party-line vote.
At least 57 of the 62 House Democrats traveled to Illinois, where Gov. JB Pritzker offered logistical support but no funding. At a press conference in Carol Stream, Rep. Gene Wu called the plan “racist, unfair, and undemocratic.” Democrats fear arrest or fines of $500 per day, with Gov. Greg Abbott threatening extradition and suggesting their fundraising could constitute a felony.
Their absence blocks quorum in the Texas House, halting all legislative activity, including flood relief efforts. Critics say GOP leaders are prioritizing partisan redistricting over emergency aid. Coordination for the walkout reportedly included support from Pritzker and discussions with Gov. Gavin Newsom. Pritzker defended Illinois’ map as legal and contrasted it with what he called a Trump-driven power grab in Texas.
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