Texas House is set to reconvene this afternoon, but dozens of Democrats are still out of the state. Their absence will deny Republicans the quorum needed to vote on congressional maps that have been redrawn in the GOP's favor. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is promising to call as many special sessions as it takes to pass redistricting.This could literally last years because uh in Texas, I'm authorized to call a special session every 30 days. It lasts 30 days. Uh and as soon as this one is over, I'm going to ca ...

Redistricting & Voting Rights - The report highlights accusations that President Trump is attempting to undermine democracy through redistricting efforts, specifically in Texas, which are seen as a violation of the Voting Rights Act [1] - Democrats are responding to Trump's actions by considering similar redistricting tactics in states where they hold power, described as "fighting fire with fire" [3][6] - The John Lewis voting rights bill, which aimed to change how districts are drawn in all 50 states, is mentioned as a potential solution to partisan gerrymandering [7] Political Strategy & Momentum - Democrats believe they are gaining momentum, citing special election victories and overperformance in recent elections [4] - The report suggests that Trump's unpopularity and unfulfilled promises are contributing to potential Democratic gains in the House of Representatives in 2026 [5] - The Democratic party emphasizes the need for a Congress with a "backbone" that can work in a bipartisan fashion, contrasting this with the Republican's focus on power [9][10] State-Level Politics & Governance - The importance of state-level politics in securing democracy and rights is emphasized, highlighting the role of governors in this fight [13] - The podcast featuring governors aims to provide deeper insights into their motivations, fears, and solutions for the problems facing the country [15]

But we begin this hour with Texas Republicans turning up the pressure on Democratic legislators who left the state to stop the redistricting scheme. Republicans have unleashed a wave of legal action aimed at forcing them back. In the last 48 hours alone, they've launched lawsuits to strip them of their seats, introduced motions to have law enforcement track them down, and even accuse former Congressman Betto AOR of quote bribing lawmakers to break quorum by raising money for their travel expenses and legal ...

Texas may have started this mid decade redistricting fight, but Republicans throughout the country are now plotting to make the very same moves. In Florida, the state house speaker said that he's creating a select committee to look at drawing up new districts 7 years ahead of the normal schedule. Vice President Vance also recently met with Republican leadership in Indiana as the White House ramps up pressure on GOPled states to redraw their maps.And it all comes as the Republican leadership in Texas is usin ...

"“Checks and Balance” looks at the mid-census gerrymander:🎧How uncompetitive Congress could get, with @OwenWntr🎧Looking back to Tom DeLay’s scandal-plagued redistricting in 2003🎧Alternatives to partisan gerrymandering, with @thetrevorpotter" https://t.co/bkhmmJB5bx ...

Joining us now, Texas State Representatives James Telerico and Jalanda Jones. Thank you both so much for for coming on. Um, Representative Telerico, I want to start with you because you know, you guys are gone.The the state troopers can't pop up to Chicago or wherever you are to grab you, but James Cornin, your senator, says that the FBI has approved some kind of plan um to go around the country and get in you guys. How worried are you that federal officials are on their way this week to arrest you all and ...

Tonight, the fight to redraw the political map in Texas is escalating. We're never giving up and we're never bending the knee. Are you with me.With a rally against the state's redistricting push and four Democrats who fled the state to stop it. We can't do it without you. Our I know your hearts are with us.Texas Democrats on the run appearing virtually as they try to block their Republican colleagues from creating five new GOP congressional seats. Former Congressman Betto Oor defending his political action ...

From @WSJopinion: Democrats gave the GOP an excuse to go nuclear in a redistricting war in which the left lacks fissile material, writes @KimStrassel https://t.co/Pnz6bNxmCc ...

Legislative Session Observations - The House adjourned until 1 PM Monday due to the absence of a quorum [1] - The session was remarkably quick [1] - The Texas legislature has been ongoing all week [2] Speaker's Remarks - The speaker commented on the size of the gavel, noting it was the biggest they had ever seen [1] - The speaker expressed affection for their gavel [1] - The speaker compared another gavel to a mallet [2]

Political Boycott and Redistricting - Texas Democrats are boycotting the State House, disrupting the GOP's redistricting plans [1] - The Democrats' action is described as a "stop on the clock" against an "outrageous power grab" [1] - Republican leadership is allegedly threatening Democrats to force their return [1] - The boycott is framed as a fight for families across the country, not just in Texas [2] Challenges and Resolve - State Representatives face challenges managing personal and professional lives while outside of Texas [4] - Representatives make $600 per month and rely on additional jobs [5] - The threat of withholding pay is seen as an intimidation tactic that representatives are not dependent on [5][6] - The representative asserts the boycott is within the bounds of the law and accuses the opposition of threatening to break the law [8][9] - The special session is scheduled to end on the 19th, and the primary goal is to raise national awareness [15][16] Allegations of Abuse of Power - Concerns are raised about the FBI being used to round up Texas Democrats [7][8] - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allegedly showed up at a relative's home of a representative [10][11] - Actions are described as a deliberate abuse of power and intimidation tactic [11]