Summary
Texas Democrats left the state to prevent a vote on a new congressional map that favors Republicans. Without the Democrats, the Texas House could not reach the required number of members to hold a vote. The Texas government responded by attempting to locate and arrest the absent Democrats to force them to return.
Key Facts
- Texas Democrats left for New York and Illinois to block a vote on redistricting maps.
- The new map proposal creates five more districts that favor Republicans.
- Republicans need at least 100 members present to hold a vote, but only have 88 without Democrats.
- Texas House Speaker wants to arrest and return absent Democrats to the House chamber.
- Texas Governor and Attorney General issued statements and actions to find and bring back the legislators.
- New York Governor supports the Texas Democrats' actions.
- Redistricting usually follows a census; mid-decade tries like this in Texas are uncommon.
- Other states like California and Ohio are also focusing on redistricting for political advantage.
