Texas Democrats walk out to block Republican redistricting vote

Reuters

Democratic lawmakers in Texas left the state on 4 August in a dramatic move to deny Republicans the quorum needed to pass a redistricting plan backed by Donald Trump, aiming to preserve the GOP's narrow House majority ahead of the 2026 elections.

At least 50 Democratic lawmakers boarded chartered flights to Washington, D.C., aiming to halt a special legislative session called to approve new voting maps that critics say heavily favour Republicans.

By leaving the state, Democrats prevent the Texas House from reaching the two-thirds quorum required to hold a vote. “We’re not going to sit back and watch our democracy be dismantled,” said Democratic Representative Ana-Maria Ramos.

Republicans accused their rivals of abandoning their duties and vowed to press ahead with redistricting plans once the lawmakers return. Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to arrest the lawmakers upon their re-entry to Texas.

The walkout is the latest in a series of clashes over voting rights and political control in Texas. Democrats argue the redistricting plan would dilute minority representation and entrench Republican power for the next decade.

Redistricting takes place every 10 years and has become a flashpoint in states where control of the legislature hangs in the balance. Similar standoffs have occurred in past years, but this marks one of the most dramatic walkouts in recent memory.

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