Democratic lawmakers in Texas announced that they will leave the state to temporarily block Republicans from advancing their plan to redraw congressional districts, a redistricting effort driven by Trump aimed at expanding Republican power in the 2026 midterm elections. By 'walking out', the Democrats will prevent the state legislature from reaching the minimum quorum required to vote. Texas House Democratic leader Gene Wu stated, "We are not shirking our responsibilities; we are protesting a manipulative system that refuses to listen to the voices of the people." The timing of this redistricting is unusual, as Trump has listed it as one of the core strategies to help Republicans expand power in the 2026 midterm elections. In response, Democratic governors like California's Newsom and New York's Hochul have threatened to retaliate by redrawing their own state district lines.