Texas Democrats who fled the state earlier this month to block a redistricting vote are starting to return home, each on their own time. More than 50 lawmakers left for blue states like Illinois and New York, denying Republicans a quorum.
The move came after President Donald Trump urged the state to redraw U.S. House district maps to secure more Republican seats. The Democrats’ departure denied a quorum multiple times in recent weeks; therefore, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was forced to call a special session.
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Redistricting special session wraps
That special session wrapped up on Friday, and according to multiple reports, that caused Democrats to begin returning home.
The timing matters because a new special session is set to begin Monday. The Democratic caucus is trying to determine if enough members are back, so Republicans will have the numbers they need.
Response to redistricting, walkout
Abbott has already issued civil arrest warrants for lawmakers who do not return, and upon a request from a U.S. Senator, the FBI says it will help track them down.
Following the Texas Democrats’ walkout, California Democrats, led by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, announced a redistricting plan. Newsom said the action was in response to “a president of the United States that called a sitting governor of the state of Texas and said ‘find me five seats.’”
California Democrats could introduce new legislation asking voters to approve new maps as early as Monday, when lawmakers return from their summer recess.
Former President Barack Obama spoke with California Democrats last week to offer his support on the matter.
