TEXAS, USA — Dozens of Democratic state lawmakers in Texas have scattered to points across the country in a last-ditch effort to prevent Republicans from adopting U.S. House maps that President Donald Trump wants in place before the 2026 midterm elections .

By leaving the state, Democrats are beyond the reach of Texas law enforcement, and they can effectively block any votes by ensuring the 150-member House does not have the quorum required to do business.

The effect was immediate: The Republican-controlled state House did not have the required quorum for a scheduled vote on the new district maps Monday afternoon. The House planned to try again Tuesday, even with no expectation that Democrats will return.

Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Republicans are threatening to try to remove the

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