Texas Democrats issue demands in exchange for return to state

Texas’ Democratic representatives will only return to the state if the state’s legislative session is adjourned indefinitely, according to a Thursday statement from the state’s House Democratic caucus. Lawmakers also will not return to the state until California lawmakers introduce their plan for electoral redistricting, the statement added. The proposed electoral map in Texas is unconditional, and Democrats planned to launch a legal battle against it, the caucus said.

Dozens of Democratic state representatives left the state last week in order to stop the adoption of a new congressional map with more Republican seats. Democratic lawmakers and citizens alleged that the new boundaries are drawn unfairly to intentionally separate Democratic communities and dilute the blue vote. Republicans argue that the plan, sponsored by President Donald Trump, is perfectly legal. Because the Texas State House of Representatives needs a quorum of at least 100 members present to convene, lawmakers leaving the state forced the chamber to halt its proceedings.

Why do Texas lawmakers care about California’s redistricting? California Gov. Gavin Newsom planned to counter what he characterized as Texas’ gerrymandering scheme by redrawing California’s electoral map, according to a Thursday statement. Newsom called on lawmakers of the Golden State to pass a new congressional map favoring five more Democratic seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. If approved by voters, California’s electoral gains would effectively neutralize GOP gains in Texas.

Dig deeper: Read Leo Briceno’s report for a better look at the constitutional vagueness around gerrymandering.