🏛️Texas Democrats flee state capital to block GOP gerrymandering plan
Elections
Government
Legislative Process
Dozens of Texas Democratic lawmakers literally ran away to another state in August 2025 to stop Republicans from voting on new congressional maps. Without enough lawmakers present, the legislature can't conduct official business—that's called breaking quorum. Democrats figured disappearing was better than letting Republicans redraw districts to guarantee themselves five more congressional seats for the next decade.
Review Topic
Test your knowledge with interactive questions
10 questions
5:00
9 available
Key Takeaways
Influential Figures
No influential figures found.
Some topics may not have prominent individuals directly associated.
Why This Matters
🗺️ Two point one million new Latino residents gained zero new districts
Ken Paxton's 2021 maps carved Hispanic communities into six separate congressional districts. Population growth benefits maintain white Republican control despite demographic shifts.
✈️ Delta Airlines earned $340,000 from 57 Democratic lawmakers booking flights
Quorum-breaking costs taxpayers nothing. Oklahoma Democrats used identical tactics in 2005 to block right-to-work legislation for 11 days.
📊 Abbott's gerrymandering software simulated thousands of scenarios
Republicans selected maps guaranteeing 25 of 38 House seats even with 52% Democratic vote share. Competitive elections become mathematically impossible.
⚖️ Federal courts struck down Texas maps twice since 2011
Shelby County v. Holder (2013) eliminated preclearance requirements. States with voting rights violations no longer need federal approval for redistricting.
What Others Are Asking
No Questions Yet
Be the first to ask
Detailed Content
2
What did Texas Democratic lawmakers do in August 2025 to stop a Republican redistricting vote?
Multiple Choice
Government
3
How many additional congressional seats would Republicans gain through the new Texas maps?
Multiple Choice
Elections
4
5
What resource does the topic recommend for tracking redistricting in your state?
Multiple Choice
Civic Action
6
What is the main goal of gerrymandering congressional districts?
Multiple Choice
Elections
7
How should citizens evaluate and respond to extreme legislative tactics like quorum-breaking?
Scenario
Legislative Process
8
Breaking quorum means the legislature cannot conduct official business.
True/False
Legislative Process