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Pro-Democracy Activists Rally Against Texas Redistricting Push
Nationwide Protests
Pro-democracy activists and labor groups organized more than 300 rallies and events across the United States on Saturday, protesting the Trump administration’s support for Texas to redraw its congressional map in favor of Republicans. Tens of thousands of people participated in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Beto O’Rourke Speaks in Texas
Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke joined the demonstrations in Texas, where dozens of Democratic state lawmakers had fled to deny Republicans the quorum needed to vote on redistricting.
“They do this because they are afraid,” O’Rourke told the crowd, referring to efforts to push the redistricting plan. “They fear this power they see here today.”
Texas Democrats Stay Out of State
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers from Texas have remained in Illinois, beyond the reach of civil arrest warrants that could be enforced back home. Their absence prevented the redistricting map from coming to a vote during a special legislative session called by Governor Greg Abbott, which ended Friday. Abbott has since called for a second special session.
Governor Abbott’s Response
Abbott criticized the Democratic walkout, saying that critical work—including redistricting, flood safety legislation after deadly July floods, and other pending bills—remains unfinished due to the lawmakers’ absence.
California’s Countermove
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled his own redistricting plan, which he said could give Democrats five additional congressional seats—possibly offsetting Republican gains in Texas.
Texas Democrats’ Conditions
In a joint statement, the Texas House Democrats said they would only return to their state if the special legislative session were ended and California’s redistricting maps introduced.
“Pro-Democracy Activists Rally Against Texas Redistricting Push” “Pro-Democracy Activists Rally Against Texas Redistricting Push”