Texas Democrats Flee State Over Redistricting Dispute

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Dozens of Texas Democratic lawmakers left the state Sunday to delay a vote on a new congressional redistricting map, a move aimed at denying Republicans the quorum needed to pass the legislation. The proposed map would potentially create five new Republican-leaning districts by redrawing boundaries in urban areas where most of the state’s population resides.

The walkout echoes previous efforts by minority parties to stall legislation by leaving the state or refusing to attend legislative sessions. Though rare, the tactic has been used across the US and often leads to legal or political pushback.

“We’re leaving Texas to fight for Texans,” said Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, in a statement. He claimed the process was not representative of constituents in urban centres.

This isn’t the first time Texas Democrats have taken such action. In 2021, they left for Washington, D.C., in an attempt to block a bill that introduced new voting regulations. Though initially successful, the legislation ultimately passed during a special session. At that time, Texas Republicans issued civil arrest warrants to compel lawmakers to return. A similar tactic was used in 2003 when Democrats tried to block a Republican redistricting plan by fleeing to Oklahoma and New Mexico, though that effort also failed.

Other US states have seen comparable events. In Oregon, lawmakers from both parties have staged walkouts since the 1970s. In 2023, Republicans walked out for six weeks over proposed legislation related to abortion and gender policies. Voters later approved a constitutional amendment barring lawmakers with excessive unexcused absences from seeking reelection.

In New Hampshire, Democrats exited the chamber during a 2021 anti-abortion bill debate. Republican leaders responded by locking the doors to maintain quorum, barring the lawmakers from returning for the vote.

In Wisconsin, Democratic senators fled to Illinois in 2011 to stop a vote on legislation that would limit public-sector union rights. Protests erupted at the state capitol, but the bill eventually passed in a revised form.

Indiana Democrats also left for Illinois that same year to oppose legislation restricting union-related fees. While they returned after negotiations, Republicans passed the measure the following year.

These walkouts highlight growing divisions in US state legislatures and underline how procedural tactics are being used to influence or delay major policy changes. As redistricting and voting access continue to shape political battles, the strategy of denying quorum may remain a key tool for minority parties.