Dozens of Democratic lawmakers from Texas fled the state overnight, some flying to Chicago in an attempt to block a vote on a controversial redistricting plan drawn up by state Republicans.

The move could potentially have major implications for the U.S. Congress as the battle over redistricting intensifies nationwide.

The Texas governor has ordered the arrest of the missing Democrats who left to deny a quorum and prevent a special session to redraw five congressional maps — a process that typically takes place at the beginning of a new decade, not midway.

"This is not a choice that we take lightly, to be here in Chicago. We really didn't have a choice. We tried to negotiate with Republicans, we tried to talk to them, we tried to reason with them," said Democratic Texas Rep. Gene Wu. "We

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