This Day Texas Dems Flee To Stop Redistricting (Some Context) w/ Harry Enten
Aug 4, 2025
Texas Democrats made headlines by fleeing the state to block a controversial GOP redistricting plan. This act of defiance harkens back to a similar dramatic escape from 2003. The podcast dives into the historical significance of gerrymandering in the South, illustrating political battles in Texas and Georgia. With anecdotes and insights, it uncovers the peculiarities of Texas politics and the evolving norms in legislative tactics, showcasing how such strategies influence party dominance and election outcomes.
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Texas Dems Flee Tradition
- Texas Democrats fled the state to block GOP redistricting that aimed to boost Republican congressional seats.
- This bold, cross-state tactic is part of a long tradition in Texas politics, reflecting deep strategic fights over democracy.
2003 Texas Dems in Exile
- In 2003, Texas Democrats fled to a hotel in Oklahoma to avoid a quorum and block redistricting votes.
- Law enforcement efforts to compel their return were hindered by jurisdiction limits across state lines.
Redistricting Fights Shape Politics
- Redistricting disputes began heating up in the early 2000s and became a litmus test for partisan power struggles.
- These fights are not just about voting but about who controls the electoral rules themselves.