Dozens of Texas House Democrats traveled to Illinois and other states this week in hopes of blocking a proposed redistricting map that they characterize as a national threat to democracy.

The rare mid-decade redistricting would fulfill President Donald Trump's call for Texas Republicans to gain five new GOP seats in the U.S. House before next year's midterm elections.

Although Republicans maintain an 88-seat majority in the Texas House, the chamber requires the presence of at least 100 members to conduct business. By leaving the state entirely, Democratic legislators prevent legislation from moving forward.

Texas Rep. Vince Perez said the new map would allow for unprecedented and reckless "racial engineering" of congressional districts.

In Texas, white and Hispanic residents each repre

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