Texas House Democrats who have left the state to block a vote on redistricting were hosted by California leaders on Friday. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and other prominent California Democratic leaders spoke at a press event along with the Texas lawmakers.

"We are running from nothing," said Texas Rep. Ann Johnson at the start of the press conference.

The event was held at California's historic Governor's Mansion in Sacramento.

"What's happening in the United States of America is not normal. We cannot allow this to be considered normal," Newsom said.

The Texas state legislators have been out of the state since Monday, breaking quorum to prevent the Republican-held chamber from voting on a proposed redistricting plan that could give the GOP five

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