Texas Democrats leave the state to prevent a vote on Republican-led congressional map

[bigtree]

AP:

Texas Democrats are leaving the state in an attempt to prevent the state House from holding a vote Monday on new congressional maps that Republicans hope will net them several additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.

"This is not a decision we make lightly, but it is one we make with absolute moral clarity,” said Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, in a statement.

To conduct official business, at least 100 members of the 150-member Texas House must be present. Democrats hold 62 of the seats in the majority-Republican chamber. At least 51 Democratic members are leaving the state, said Josh Rush Nisenson, spokesperson for the House Democratic Caucus.

“Apathy is complicity, and we will not be complicit in the silencing of hard-working communities who have spent decades fighting for the power that Trump wants to steal," he said.

By leaving the state, Democrats are looking to block Republicans from the needed quorum to hold votes on the map set for Monday. The Texas House has rules to fine lawmakers $500 each day they break a quorum. GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton has said previously that if Democrats break quorum, “they should be found and arrested no matter where they go.”

read more: *Dems going to Illinois to strategize with Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/texas-democrats-leave-the-state-to-block-vote-on-redrawn-house-map-backed-by-trump/ar-AA1JPzDt

[Justice Brandeis]

1. This is the only weapon they have

And to be realistic they may have to leave for several months to run out the clock on the filing deadline for 2026 elections.

This is what has to be done.

Strongly worded letters, press conferences and lawsuits will all fail.

[bluestarone]

2. Love IT!!!

Could they be called back if Texas rethugs find out where they went? (HOPE NOT)

[LeftInTX]

5. Supposedly they can't. But who knows with Trump? He could call in the military under it's "for the federal govt" guise

[malaise]

3. Nice

Rec

[pat_k]

4. WAY TO GO!!! And some links (Democracy Docket analysis & 7/25 "The People v. The Power Grab" rally highlights)

More on the ins and outs -- possible civil arrest, threats from Paxton to unlawfully engage federal authorities to "hunt them down" in other states, and more -- from Democracy Docket:

https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/can-texas-democrats-stop-the-redistricting-by-breaking-quorum/

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For anyone who missed the inspiring "The People v. The Power Grab" rally on 7/25, you'll find links to a couple highlights and the entire event with time codes for speakers here:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220524919

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Also, here's a paywall free link to a NYTimes article on this:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/us/texas-democrats-walkout-redistricting-map-gop.html?unlocked_article_code=1.bU8.Edky.gm5S0XlF1m1f&smid=url-share