In a move critics are calling a political stunt, dozens of Democratic state lawmakers have left Texas to block a vote on a congressional redistricting map that could expand Republican influence in Washington. The map, backed by the GOP-led legislature, aims to add up to five new Republican seats and was set for a vote Monday. Rather than stay and debate, Democrats are once again abandoning their posts to break quorum and stall the legislative process.
More than 51 Democrats flew to Chicago where Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has offered political support.
Attorney General Ken Paxton says that Democrats risk fines and legal consequences, noting that while they can’t be arrested out of state, they will eventually have to return and face the consequences for abandoning their duties.