In this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor speak with state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, about her and her colleagues’ decision to flee the state, the potential financial and criminal penalties and her opposition to the state’s proposed new congressional map.
Redistricting Texas 2025
A panel of federal judges has blocked Texas’ attempt to use new congressional maps in 2026. Republican state lawmakers drew the new districts to pick up five additional U.S. House seats after a pressure campaign waged by President Donald Trump’s political team. Texas House Democrats left the state during the unusual mid-decade redrawing, delaying passage of the maps and attracting national attention to what became a multi-state redistricting battle.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Beto O’Rourke’s political group is a top funder for Texas Democrats’ exodus to block GOP congressional map
The former El Paso congressman also contributed to House Democrats’ 2021 quorum break. A PAC backed by Democratic donor George Soros is also involved in this year’s effort.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Texas House issues arrest warrants for Democrats who left state to block congressional redistricting
The warrants apply only within state lines, making them largely symbolic as most of the legislators in question decamped to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Denying quorum has been a Texas political strategy since 1870
While the Democrats could technically derail the GOP’s redistricting map, such efforts have been largely symbolic and had limited success blocking past legislation, experts say.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Gov. Greg Abbott threatens Texas House Democrats with removal from office for fleeing state
The governor also alleged absconding Democrats may have committed felonies by fundraising to cover the $500-a-day fines they will face under House rules.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Texas House Democrats flee the state in bid to block GOP’s proposed congressional map
The lawmakers’ absence means the lower chamber won’t have enough members present to function, stalling passage of a draft map Democrats have condemned as a political power grab.
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2026 Texas Elections
In draft congressional map, Texas Republicans bet big that gains with Latino voters will persist
The plan increases the share of Hispanic voters in three of the five districts targeted by the GOP, banking that enough will turn out and vote for Republicans without Donald Trump on the ballot.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Texas House panel advances redrawn congressional map that would add more GOP seats
The new district lines could be considered by the entire state House as soon as early next week.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Texas’ proposed congressional map dismantles districts flagged by DOJ
The Department of Justice said four districts unconstitutionally combined Black and Hispanic voters, a charge the state disputes. If the proposed map passes, two will still be multiracial.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Why the proposed Texas congressional map may not be a lock to net five new GOP seats
The new proposed lines would also prevent few, if any, opportunities for Democrats hoping that an aggressive gerrymander could backfire on Republicans.
