Summary
Over 50 Texas Democrats left the state to stop a vote on a new congressional district map. The proposed map, backed by former President Trump, may increase Republican seats in the 2026 elections. The Democrats could be fined for not attending the vote.
Key Facts
- More than 50 Texas Democrats left to prevent a vote in the state House.
- The vote is about redrawing district maps that might help Republicans gain seats.
- The proposal to change the district map is backed by former President Trump.
- Democrats could face a $500 fine for each day they miss the vote.
- The special session was also called due to deadly flooding in Central Texas.
- Similar walkouts by Texas Democrats have occurred in 2003 and 2021.
- The Democrats planned to meet with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker in Chicago.
- Governor Abbott is criticized for the redistricting efforts.
