United States. Texas: Democratic lawmakers block redistricting vote... by fleeing

The standoff is intensifying in Texas over a redistricting bill accused of favoring Republicans. On Monday, the lower house of the Texas legislature was paralyzed after several Democratic lawmakers fled the state in a dramatic move to block the passage of a bill that could give Donald Trump five additional seats in Congress in the 2026 midterm elections.

The parliamentary session, convened at 3 p.m. (local time), failed to achieve the necessary quorum, provoking anger among Republican lawmakers. "A quorum was not established," noted session chairman Dustin Burrows, denouncing lawmakers "who are shirking their responsibilities."

A text accused of diluting Democratic votes

The backdrop is a proposed redistricting of Texas's 38 electoral districts. Officially presented as a classic revision of the electoral map, the text is accused by the opposition of diluting Democratic votes, particularly within the African-American and Hispanic communities. A maneuver described as "gerrymandering" by its detractors, who see it as a concerted attempt by Texas conservatives to strengthen their majority in Washington.

"This is not a decision we made lightly," said House Minority Leader Gene Wu in a statement. He accused Republican Governor Greg Abbott of "fawning over Donald Trump" and called the map "intentionally racist."

Arrest warrants for absent elected officials

On Sunday evening, several Democratic elected officials left Texas to avoid the vote. Some gathered in Chicago, others in New York. In response, Greg Abbott promised to "bring back" the fugitives. "These absences were premeditated for an illegal purpose," he asserted, even threatening to strip the elected officials of their mandates—a threat without legal basis, as the governor does not have this power. On Monday, the Republican majority voted to issue an arrest warrant for the absent elected officials. However, this warrant is only valid within Texas, limiting its actual scope.

The Texas crisis quickly took on national proportions. New York Governor Kathy Hochul spoke at a press conference alongside Democratic lawmakers sheltering in her state. "We are at war," she declared, calling for an overhaul of the redistricting system in Democratic states.