Texas Democrats remain out of state after fleeing to block a vote on a new congressional map backed by President Trump. The proposed map would add five Republican-leaning seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. With dozens of Democrats absent, the Texas House lacks the quorum needed to move forward.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has issued civil arrest warrants for the lawmakers and ordered state troopers to locate them. However, most are currently in Illinois or New York and are beyond Texas’ jurisdiction. Abbott also threatened to seek their removal from office if they do not return.
The standoff has sparked wider debate, with Democratic governors in other states discussing countermeasures, including potentially redrawing their own maps in response. For now, the map vote is on hold, and it remains unclear how long the lawmakers will remain away.
