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Lawmakers staying out of Texas to protest congressional redistricting until special session ends
Saturday, August 9, 2025 11:05PM
Texas Democrats in Illinois to protest redistricting stood with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
CHICAGO (WLS) — Texas House Democrats in Illinois say they are committed to staying out of their state until the special session ends August 19.
The lawmakers left Austin and came to Illinois last Sunday to block a quorum and prevent a vote on Republican-drawn congressional maps, which could give the GOP up to five additional U.S. House seats.
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Two bomb threat were reported this week at the St. Charles hotel where they’ve been staying.
On Saturday, several of the lawmakers stood with Rainbow PUSH to mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
The lawmakers who attended spoke about how their push to block Republican-led redistricting protects voting rights nationwide.
Republicans in Texas have responded with threats of arrest, pay restrictions and even removal from office for absent members.
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