Texas Democrats have left the state in an attempt to prevent the state House from holding a vote Monday on new congressional maps that Republicans hope will net them several additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections.

Texas House Democrats are leaving the state to deny quorum, marking the second time in four years. They say the move is intended to block legislative action they oppose and respond to what they describe as inaction by Gov.

The walkout was a sharp escalation in the clash over a redistricting effort. Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to remove the lawmakers who left their posts if they did not return by Monday.