August 4, 2025
Texas Democrats flee state to block GOP gerrymandering
Democrats flee to DC to block GOP gerrymandering vote
📜Constitutional Law🏛️Government🗳️Elections📊Electoral Systems
More than 50 Texas House Democrats fled to Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts on August 3, 2025
Departure denied 88-62 Republican majority the 100-member quorum needed for redistricting
Mid-decade redistricting plan would flip five congressional seats to GOP
Governor 
Greg Abbott and AG Ken Paxton threatened arrest warrants and removal from office
Trump personally lobbied Abbott, claiming Republicans "entitled" to five more seats
Illinois Gov. Pritzker provided support; California passed Proposition 50 in retaliation
Democrats returned August 20 after two-week absence when conditions met
📜Constitutional Law🏛️Government🗳️Elections📊Electoral Systems
Test Your Knowledge
10
Q1
Which Democratic states have threatened to retaliate with their own gerrymandering in response to Texas?
Q2
What Texas state representative led the Democrats' exodus and declared "this corrupt special session is over"?
Q3
President Trump said the FBI "may have to" help find and arrest Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled the state.
Q4
Texas Attorney General {{blank_1}} threatened to "hunt down" Democrats, while Governor {{blank_2}} warned he would remove lawmakers from office if they don't return by {{blank_3}}.
Q5
How many additional GOP House seats could Texas Republicans gain through their new redistricting map?
5 more questions available
Upgrade to Premium to access all practice questions and unlock advanced quiz features.
Upgrade to PremiumThese questions are part of the Texas Democrats flee state to block GOP gerrymandering topic. Master this topic by completing the quiz or exploring each question in detail.
Ready to test your knowledge?
Take the full quiz to master this topic and track your progress.
Start QuizPeople, bills, and sources
Greg Abbott
Governor of Texas
Donald Trump
President of the United States
Gene Wu
Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair
Ken Paxton
Texas Attorney General
J.B. Pritzker
Illinois Governor
Gavin Newsom
California Governor