Most recently, Texas Democrats fled the state on August 3rd, 2025. This action, referred to as breaking quorum, aimed to prevent the Texas House from voting on a redistricting plan that Republicans, with the backing of former President Donald Trump, were pushing to pass, according to The Hill. The Democrats went to cities in Democratic-leaning states like Chicago, Illinois; Boston, Massachusetts; and Albany, New York. This is not a new tactic in Texas, according to KVUE. Texas Democrats also used this tactic in 2021 to protest a restrictive voting bill and in 2003 during a previous redistricting battle. In both previous instances, the legislation eventually passed after delays. However, the current situation carries added weight due to the potential impact of the redistricting plan on the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, according to NPR.
