Texas Democrats flee to Chicago to block GOP-controlled redistricting plan

Texas Democratic lawmakers have traveled to Chicago to obstruct the approval of a new congressional redistricting plan that benefits the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Following the advancement of the proposed map by a state House committee, Democratic representatives considered fleeing Texas to break quorum—a minimum number of members needed to conduct votes. On Sunday, over 51 Democrats departed for Chicago, where they planned to hold a press conference with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who has indicated interest in initiating a redistricting process in Illinois. NBC News reported that Pritzker coordinated the effort, assisting with logistics for the Texas Democrats. Most of the Democrats are expected to remain in Chicago for at least a week, resisting a redistricting effort that has received support from former President Donald Trump. State House Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu emphasized their stance, stating, "We’re leaving Texas to fight for Texans. We will not allow disaster relief to be held hostage to a Trump gerrymander. We’re not walking out on our responsibilities; we’re walking out on a rigged system that refuses to listen to the people we ...