Texas Democrats on Sunday vacated the state in order to break quorum and prevent a vote on legislation that would allow Republican lawmakers to draw a district map with five new Republican-leaning seats.

Many Democratic lawmakers chose wait out the legislative session in Chicago, due to its party ties. Illinois Governor and Democrat JB Pritzker was in communication with Texas Democrats ahead of the quorum break to offer his support. Observers have noted that, as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, Pritzker may have used to opportunity to build political clout with Texas Democrats.

Attorney General Ken Paxton has called for the arrest of lawmakers who fled to Democratic-led states. Such action would be classified as a civil arrest and could result in lawmakers being detained and returned to Austin to resume the legislative session.

Republicans currently hold 25 out of Texas’ 38 congressional seats. The Trump administration has played a role in bolstering Republican redistricting efforts in Texas to help ensure a favorable position for his party in the 2026 midterm elections. Missouri is another state where Trump officials have reportedly influenced redistricting plans.

In June, Democratic leaders and funders launched a “Blue Texas” campaign in an attempt to weaken the decades-long Republican hold on the state. The initiative aims to “mobilize thousands of volunteers, recruit strong Democratic candidates in every region of the state, and deliver critical support to campaigns in all 254 counties,” as Democrat leaders believe the 2026 midterms offer “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elect more Democrats — if they organize early and at scale.”

This is the second time in four years that Texas Democrats and Republicans have had a standoff over a vote that resulted in Democrats leaving the state to break quorum. The Texas Senate has since implemented a rule imposing a monetary fine for each day legislators are absent. The law is classified as a civil violation and does not carry criminal penalties.