Alabama Gerrymandering

Trump & Texas Attempt to Gerrymander 5 More GOP House Seats

In Texas, a political battle is unfolding as Republicans, at the request of former President Trump, propose a redrawn congressional map that would likely add five Republican seats before the midterms. This move is viewed by Democrats as a scheme to rig the election and dilute the power of communities of color. Democrats have discussed tactics to try and prevent the bill from passing. This is occurring due to a Supreme Court ruling that allows partisan gerrymandering and the absence of federal legislation against it.

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Texas Democrats Flee State to Block Gerrymandered House Map Backed by Trump

In a bid to obstruct proposed congressional maps, Texas House Democrats left the state, aiming to prevent a Republican-led effort that could solidify the party’s hold on the U.S. House. The Democrats’ absence, which breaks quorum and halts legislative proceedings, was a strategic move made just before the vote on maps that favor Republicans. In response, Democratic governors, including Illinois’ JB Pritzker, offered support and welcomed the Texas lawmakers. This exodus aims to delay votes on redistricting and flood relief measures, while Republicans, supported by figures like Attorney General Ken Paxton, have vowed to take action to ensure Democrats return.

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Texas Democrats Flee: Another Round of Political Theater and Gerrymandering

In a strategic move, Texas Democratic lawmakers fled the state to prevent the passage of new congressional maps that would favor Republicans. This action, meant to deny the Republican-controlled chamber a quorum, was taken in response to a redistricting plan perceived as an attempt to dilute the voting power of minority groups. With the majority of House Democrats leaving for the Chicago area and other locations, the special legislative session and its agenda, including disaster relief and controversial bills, were immediately cast into doubt. Republicans have responded with strong criticism, threatening arrests and sanctions, while national Democrats have pledged support and retaliation in other states.

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Texas Democrats Flee to Illinois to Block Redistricting Vote

In response to the Republican redistricting efforts in Texas, approximately 30 Democratic representatives have traveled to Chicago to deny the quorum needed for the GOP to proceed with their plans. This move was made with the logistical support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who is also widely viewed as a 2028 presidential contender. The proposed congressional map, which aims to give the GOP a path to pick up five seats in the upcoming midterm elections, faces strong opposition from Democrats who have accused Republicans of intentionally drawing a racist map. Despite facing potential fines and arrest for leaving the state, the Texas Democrats are determined to fight what they see as a rigged system.

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Hochul Warns Retaliation if Texas Proceeds with Redistricting

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has stated she will retaliate against Texas Republicans if their redistricting initiative, which could eliminate five Democratic seats, moves forward. Hochul’s warning echoes California Governor Gavin Newsom’s stance, as both express concern over the proposed congressional map. The initiative has prompted fundraising efforts by Texas Democrats to combat the potential fines and arrest threats associated with leaving the state to block the initiative. Democrats are also leveraging the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to deploy advocates and engage with Republican voters.

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Newsom’s Threat: Redrawing California House Maps in Response to Texas Gerrymandering

In response to a potential Republican redistricting effort in Texas, California Democrats, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, are exploring a controversial plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts in an attempt to gain Democratic seats. This initiative is driven by a desire to regain control in Congress. However, this plan faces significant legal hurdles, as California voters established an independent redistricting commission over a decade ago, stripping lawmakers of their power to draw district lines. Redistricting experts and former commission members have criticized the plan as undermining the integrity of the established process, highlighting the importance of fair and equitable election districts.

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AOC Backs Blue State Gerrymandering to Counter Republicans

Amidst President Trump’s initiative to redraw congressional districts in Texas, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) advocated for Democratic-led states to counter by redistricting Republican representatives in their own states. AOC believes both parties should abide by the same rules to create a level playing field. California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration with gerrymandering and suggesting his state may need to reconsider its fair play approach, possibly through special sessions and redistricting. This response comes after Trump’s plan to redraw districts in Texas to favor Republicans, with potential implications for other states as well.

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Newsom Floats Redistricting Retribution in Response to Texas GOP Plans

As midterm elections approach, California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering a shift in redistricting policy, particularly if Texas redraws its maps in a way that favors Republicans. Newsom expressed frustration with partisan power grabs, suggesting California may reconsider its “fair play” approach. This follows Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s plans to redraw congressional maps, which could lead to lawsuits alleging discrimination. However, any change in California’s redistricting process would be complex, as the current system is enshrined in the state’s constitution and overseen by an independent commission.

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Abbott Accused of Gerrymandering Texas Congressional Maps Ahead of Midterms

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is facing criticism for prioritizing a redrawing of congressional districts, a move perceived by Democrats as an attempt to “fix” the upcoming midterm elections in favor of Republicans. This directive, included in Abbott’s legislative priorities, follows a Trump administration demand for more Republican seats and has been condemned as an attack on democracy. Critics argue that Texas Republicans aim to enact an even more egregious gerrymander, despite ongoing court challenges to the existing map, while also neglecting the pressing issue of improving disaster preparation. Democrats and others see this as a blatant partisan power grab, especially given the current state of emergency.

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