A Texas congressional candidate told Newsweek that Democrats need to use every weapon in their arsenal to counter Republicans ' efforts in a "gerrymandering war."

"I believe it's imperative at this moment to use every tool that we have to fight back," said Isaiah Martin, a 27-year-old Democratic candidate running in a November special election in Texas's 18th congressional district, which includes much of Houston.

"I think the only thing Republicans understand is being thrown out of power without mercy … that's why blue states have got to go and fight fire with fire."

Martin's comments come as the fight over redistricting in Texas has sparked a scramble to redraw congressional maps in other states .

Texas Democrats fled their state on August 3, heading to Illinois, New York and

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