Texas Democrats leave state to try preventing vote on redrawn House map

Texas Democrats are leaving the state to try to block the state House from voting Monday on a new congressional map.

The new map could lead to Republicans gaining up to 5 additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.

The Associated Press reported that leaving the state as a way to stop the vote puts Democrats at risk of fines and other penalties.

DNC Chair Ken Martin released a statement on Sunday in support of Texas Democrats. 

“For too long, Donald Trump and Republicans have tried to get away with rigging the system, breaking the rules, and scheming to hold onto power. It’s time to fight back. Republicans are going after people’s health care, jobs, and pocketbooks while wrecking the economy to protect or enrich a handful of elites — and then they think they can get away with it by rigging the maps to overrule the will of voters."

He said the DNC is "proud to support these legislators in standing up and showing real leadership" in the state.

"We will fight alongside them to stop this anti-democratic assault. And, after this fight is done, we’re coming full force for the Republicans’ House majority," he said.