Democratic legislators in Texas defied Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s threats on Monday to remove them if they do not return to the state, after leaving their seats in an attempt to block a crucial vote to redraw the electoral map ahead of the 2026 legislative elections.
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The maneuver aims to prevent the Texas House of Representatives from reaching the necessary quorum - 100 out of its 150 members - to hold the special session called by the Republicans, who are promoting a reform that could secure them at least five additional seats.
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The Democrats, who control 62 seats, announced that at least 51 of their legislators would leave the state. So far, more than 30 have headed to Chicago, invited by the Democratic governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, as confirmed by Josh Rush Nisenson, spokesperson for the Democratic Caucus of the House.
“We are leaving Texas to fight for Texans,” declared Gene Wu, leader of the Democratic caucus in the House. “We are not shirking our responsibilities; we are evading a rigged system that refuses to listen to those we represent.”
The state law prohibits legislators from being absent from a legislative session without justification, which could lead to detentions, although only as a civil measure, without criminal consequences. Governor Abbott warned that if the legislators do not return immediately, they could be removed from their positions. “They are resigning from their constitutional duties. If they do not return, I will take the necessary actions,” he declared.