Democratic state legislators in Texas thwarted a vote on a congressional map that benefits Republicans by fleeing the state, thereby preventing the establishment of a quorum. Governor Greg Abbott threatened to remove the fleeing lawmakers from office for their actions. The proposed redrawn map would secure more safe seats for Republicans in upcoming elections. Texas lawmakers passed a measure to track down those who left, reflecting the contentious political atmosphere. Gerrymandering has reached extreme levels in Texas by nearly eliminating Democratic-held seats, prompting calls for reform from Democratic leaders.
Democratic state legislators in Texas have blocked a vote on a United States congressional map that favors their Republican rivals by leaving the state, preventing the Texas House from establishing a quorum.
The new redrawn map, backed by President Donald Trump, would give Republicans more safe seats to help them keep their majority in the US House in the midterm elections next year.
Gerrymandering is not uncommon in the US, but Texas appears to have taken the practice to its limits, all but eliminating five seats held by Democrats.
Top Texas House Democrat Gene Wu stated, "We're not here to play political games. We're here to demand an end to this corrupt process."
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