Texas Democrats planned their departure to Chicago as a quorum break to prevent Texas Republicans from redrawing congressional maps. State Representative Gina Hinojosa emphasized the need for ripe timing for this effort. Their goals include sending a message about gerrymandering and demonstrating gumption to their voters. Additionally, by remaining out of state, they aim to run down the clock to hinder Republicans from implementing new district maps before the 2026 election deadlines.
For a successful quorum break, the timing "has to be ripe," State Representative Gina Hinojosa told me. "Like a melon at the grocery store."
The first is to send a message; the gerrymandering attempt in Texas is a chance for Democrats nationwide to accuse Republicans of cheating, and to demonstrate a bit of the gumption their voters have been clamoring for.
Right now, the Texas Democrats' quorum-break project appears to have two goals, one much more easily accomplished than the other.
If Texas Democrats can stay out of state long enough, they could make it difficult for Republicans to implement the new district maps ahead of the first 2026 election deadlines.
Collection
[
|
...
]