Democratic lawmakers from Texas have left the state to prevent a vote on a congressional map that is projected to increase Republican representation. Governor Maura Healey greeted the fleeing lawmakers, emphasizing the dangers of gerrymandering and its implications for democracy. The absence of these lawmakers has left the Texas House without a quorum, complicating legislative processes. Governor Greg Abbott has threatened legal action against the absent lawmakers, while state senator Carol Alvarado insists that the effort is vital for protecting democracy at a national level. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the new map on majority-minority districts.
"This is an attempt to grab power, to change the rules, to determine a certain outcome," Healey told reporters. "It is antithetical to American democracy and is antithetical to the functioning of American government - local, state and federal - that we have known since the very beginning."
"We are literally holding the line on democracy, not just for Texas, but for our nation," said Carol Alvarado. "Today, President Trump said that he was entitled to five more seats in Texas, five more Republican seats, and we're here to say nobody is entitled."
"The redrawn map targets districts that are majority-minority districts represented by people of color," Healey stated. She expressed concerns about the effect of this gerrymandering.
"This is a splintering of communities and neighborhoods," Galvin stated regarding the new congressional map in Texas.
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