Texas House Dems Flee to Illinois, Could Face Felony Charges, Extradition [WATCH]

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers in Texas have left the state in an effort to block a GOP-led redistricting proposal that could reshape the balance of power in Congress and favor Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The legislators flew to Chicago on Sunday, where they are expected to hold a press conference with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

New: Texas House Democrats confirm they’ve left the state to break quorum over the proposed redrawn congressional map. @politico reported they’re headed to Illinois. #txlege

“We’re not walking out on our responsibilities; we’re walking out on a rigged system that refuses to… pic.twitter.com/Yng9ew3lMn

— Brad Johnson (@bradj_TX) August 3, 2025

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The coordinated departure comes as the Texas House prepares to consider a redistricting map introduced by Republicans last week.

Under Texas House rules, a minimum of 100 of the 150 members must be present to conduct official business.

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House Democratic Caucus spokesperson Josh Rush Nisenson confirmed to The Associated Press that at least 51 Democratic lawmakers were leaving the state to deny the chamber a quorum.

Republicans currently control 25 of Texas’ 38 U.S. House seats.

The new redistricting plan, if passed, is projected to give Republicans an additional five seats, according to legislative analysts.

The plan has received support from President Donald Trump, who has backed efforts to secure GOP majorities in key battleground states.

The proposed map would alter the political composition of several major cities, including Dallas and Houston.

Reports indicate that the redrawn districts would make traditionally Democratic-leaning urban areas more favorable to Republican candidates.

One change highlighted in a previous Fox News Digital report would move Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett out of her current district.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) says the Texas legislature asked her to confirm her home address. Now the Texas redistricting map has her living outside the district she represents.

In the US House, a representative doesn’t have to actually live in the district they represent, just… pic.twitter.com/wjHgzsIi2G

— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) August 3, 2025

🚨 JUST IN: Jasmine Crockett says the new U.S. House map in Texas will DRAW HER OUT of her district

Oh HELL yes! 🤣

This HAS to pass now! pic.twitter.com/VFgHP8G7sJ

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 3, 2025

Gene Wu, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, released a statement defending the decision to flee the state.

“This is not a decision we make lightly, but it is one we make with absolute moral clarity,” Wu said on Sunday.

The move to avoid a quorum could have legal repercussions.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton previously stated that Democrats who fled the state during a similar walkout could be subject to civil penalties, including arrest.

“[T]hey should be found and arrested no matter where they go,” Paxton said.

Democrats in the Texas House who try and run away like cowards should be found, arrested, and brought back to the Capitol immediately.

We should use every tool at our disposal to hunt down those who think they are above the law.

— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) August 3, 2025

Despite the potential consequences, Democratic leaders at the national level expressed support for the Texas lawmakers.

Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, released a statement on Sunday blaming Republicans for manipulating the political process.

“For too long, Donald Trump and Republicans have tried to get away with rigging the system, breaking the rules, and scheming to hold onto power,” Martin wrote.

“The DNC is proud to support these legislators in standing up and showing real leadership,” he added.

“We will fight alongside them to stop this anti-democratic assault. And, after this fight is done, we’re coming full force for the Republicans’ House majority.”

In response to the walkout, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dustin Burrows issued a warning on social media ahead of the scheduled session.

“The Texas House will be convening at 3:00pm tomorrow,” Burrows posted on X.

“If a quorum is not present then, to borrow the recent talking points from some of my Democrat colleagues, all options will be on the table…”

The Texas House will be convening at 3:00pm tomorrow. If a quorum is not present then, to borrow the recent talking points from some of my Democrat colleagues, all options will be on the table. . .

— Dustin Burrows (@Burrows4TX) August 3, 2025

BREAKING: @GregAbbott_TX says he will remove from office any Democrats that do not show up tomorrow #txlege pic.twitter.com/VKBPx9Xjru

— Brandon Waltens (@bwaltens) August 4, 2025

The situation mirrors previous attempts by Texas Democrats to block legislation through similar tactics.

Since Senator Mazie Hirono is using her time to spout garbage devoid of an iota of intellectual honesty,

I thought it was relevant to share a photo of Texas democrats fleeing the state — w/ beer — to skip out on voting. pic.twitter.com/kBD6uNMZh3

— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) January 14, 2025

While the redistricting plan remains subject to change, its current configuration would significantly shift the political landscape in Texas and potentially impact the makeup of the U.S. House of Representatives for years to come.