Democratic lawmakers in Texas left the state on Sunday to prevent a quorum in the legislature. This move aims to block a proposed congressional map that would significantly benefit Republicans. The new map could potentially add up to five Republican seats to the current 38 congressional districts in Texas.

The decision to flee follows a lengthy public hearing on the redistricting plan at the Texas Capitol. Republicans introduced the new maps earlier in the week as part of a special legislative session called by Governor Greg Abbott. The session also addresses other pressing issues, including disaster relief for recent floods in Texas.

Democratic state Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, stated, "We’re not walking out on our responsibilities; we’re walking out on a rigged system that refuses to listen to the people we represent. As of today, this corrupt special session is over."

Currently, Republicans hold 25 of Texas's congressional seats. They hope the new maps will increase that number to 30, particularly in areas where former President Trump gained support. The proposed changes include redrawing districts in the Rio Grande Valley and altering the boundaries of districts in North Texas and Houston.

At least 51 Democratic legislators have traveled to Chicago, where they plan to hold a press conference with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. This is not the first time Texas Democrats have left the state to disrupt a legislative process. They previously broke quorum in 2021 to block a restrictive voting bill and in 2003 to protest a similar redistricting effort.

The current walkout is a strategic move to run out the clock on the special session, which lasts 30 days. If successful, it would force Governor Abbott to call another session. However, Democrats face potential fines of $500 per day for breaking quorum, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has threatened legal action against those who leave the state.

Paxton remarked, "The House rules and the Senate rules both allow for these people to be arrested if they leave... The challenge is, if they go out of state, we lose jurisdiction." He expressed confidence in the legality of the proposed maps, stating, "We've got good maps. And the legislature has the right to draw the maps they want. They're politically based, not race based."

The proposed redistricting plan has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue it is racially gerrymandered and politically motivated. They assert that the Republican leadership is prioritizing political gain over the needs of Texas residents affected by recent disasters.

As the situation unfolds, the Texas House is scheduled to address the redistricting bill on Monday, but the absence of Democratic lawmakers may complicate the voting process.