why democrats left texas

Texas Democrats left the state as a strategic move to block a vote on a new congressional redistricting map pushed by Republicans, which is supported by former President Donald Trump. The new map aims to add several Republican seats in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. By leaving Texas, Democrats deny the state House the quorum needed to legally hold the vote, as at least 100 of the 150 members must be present and Republicans alone do not have that majority. This tactic, known as "breaking quorum," is a last-resort effort to prevent the passage of the redistricting plan, which Democrats see as a threat to political fairness and minority representation. The move carries risks, including fines and threats of arrest by Texas authorities, but Democrats view it as necessary to fight what they call an unfair gerrymander and political silencing of their communities.