Texas Democrats have taken a dramatic and unprecedented step by fleeing the state to block a redistricting vote that could give Republicans five new U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections. According to The Associated Press, dozens of Texas Democrats are leaving the state in an effort to derail the legislative process, which has been backed by President Donald Trump. The move, which has left at least 51 Democratic members absent, risks fines and potential arrests, as the party faces off against the GOP over the proposed gerrymandered map. The redistricting proposal, which was introduced by Texas House Republicans last week, could net five new Republican U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Speakers such as Josh Rush Nisenson, the spokesperson for the House Democratic Caucus, have confirmed the exodus, stating that at least 100 members of the 150-member Texas House must be present to conduct business. The party’s effort to block the vote has drawn support from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin, who praised their