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Six Democratic lawmakers from Texas have arrived in Albany after leaving their state to protest a redistricting vote in the Texas House. The lawmakers' departure denied the Texas House the quorum needed to proceed with a Republican-led redistricting plan, which could potentially create up to five new Republican seats. The proposed changes are backed by President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, raising concerns about gerrymandering and its impact on the 2026 midterm elections.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York welcomed the Texas legislators, expressing support for their actions. During a press conference, Hochul stated, "You are on the right side of history. And you're not alone." She also criticized the Republican efforts in Texas as a "legal insurrection" against democracy and expressed her intention to explore options for redrawing New York's congressional lines in response to such actions in other states.
The Texas Democrats' move has sparked a political standoff. Governor Abbott has called for the arrest of the absent lawmakers, citing abandonment of their duties. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton suggested that the Democrats could face legal consequences for soliciting funds to support their efforts. However, the warrants for their arrest have no power outside Texas, making it unclear how enforcement might proceed.
The Texas lawmakers have continued their efforts by holding press conferences in various Democrat-led states, seeking support from blue states. State Representative John Bucy III emphasized their commitment, stating, "We’re not running from anything. We’re trying to make sure that when democracy is in Texas, it is going to be of the people, by the people and for the people."