Texas Democrats Flee to Block Trump-Backed Redistricting Plan
In early August 2025, over 50 Democratic lawmakers from the Texas House of Representatives fled the state to deny a quorum during a special legislative session aimed at passing a controversial redistricting plan backed by former President Donald Trump. The proposed map would redraw the state's 38 U.S. House districts to favor Republicans by adding five new GOP-leaning seats, potentially boosting their representation from 25 to 30 by the 2026 midterms. The walkout effectively paralyzed the state House, since Texas requires 100 of 150 members present to conduct business—and a majority of Democrats’ absence made that impossible. Republicans had scheduled a Monday vote to fast-track the map through both chambers, but the Democrats’ departure stalled pricing, COVID-relief, and flood insurance legislation. What’s at stake? GOP leaders say the new map helps preserve their razor-thin edge in Washington. But critics warn […]
