US Democrats Leave Texas to Block Trump-Backed Redistricting Plan

Democratic legislators in Texas fled the state to block a Republican-backed congressional redistricting map, preventing a quorum for a crucial vote. The map, supported by former President Trump, aims to give Republicans more safe seats in the 2026 midterms. Governor Greg Abbott threatened to remove and charge the absent lawmakers, and the Texas House approved warrants to arrest them if they return. This controversial gerrymandering move, which drastically reduces Democratic seats, has sparked national debate. Other Democratic-led states like New York and California are considering countermeasures, with leaders calling it a political war ahead of the 2026 elections.