Texas Democrats flee state to prevent vote on redrawing congressional map

Texas Democrats plan to flee to Illinois to block a Monday vote on a new congressional map that would add five Republican‑leaning seats, denying Republicans the quorum needed to pass it. They accuse Texas Republicans and Governor Greg Abbott of pushing a partisan redistricting plan tied to Donald Trump’s agenda and withholding flood relief aid to force the vote. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is supporting the Democrats by providing logistical help. Republicans argue the map corrects Texas’s underrepresentation. Democrats face fines and possible arrest for leaving, while Texas officials threaten legal action, The Guardian has reported. The standoff also risks delaying disaster relief efforts for recent Texas floods.