Post Reports Democrats are ready to fight dirty over Texas
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Aug 5, 2025 
Patrick Marley reports on democracy issues for The Washington Post and dives into Texas' redistricting drama. He explores how Texas Democrats, in a bold move, fled to Chicago to protest Republican gerrymandering efforts. Marley highlights the complexities of their political resistance, facing potential penalties amid threats from the governor. The discussion also sheds light on the broader implications of gerrymandering, stressing its impact on Democratic representation and the ongoing fight for electoral fairness.
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Democrats' Flight to Stall Redistricting
- Texas Democrats fled their state to stall Republican redistricting efforts by denying quorum.
- Leaving the state prevents Texas law enforcement from forcibly returning them to vote.
Rare Mid-Cycle Redistricting Explained
- Mid-cycle redistricting is very rare; typically, maps change every 10 years after the census.
- Texas Republicans' plan to redraw districts mid-cycle to gain 5 seats is unusual.
Financial Pressure on Texas Democrats
- Texas lawmakers making only $600 a month face steep $500 per day fines for absent quorum.
- This financial pressure threatens Democrats if they continue to stay out of Texas to block redistricting.