Another Democratic Gov. Moves Towards Redistricting To Counter Texas Republicans

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said on Tuesday he will consider calling a special session to redraw the state's congressional maps as Democrats threaten to retaliate to such a push by Texas Republicans.

"Donald Trump is a cheater, so is Gov. Greg Abbott, and Texas Republicans are carrying out their will," Pritzker said when consulted about the possibility.

"If they're going to cheat, then all of us have to take a hard look at what the effect of that cheating is on our democracy, and that means we've all got to stand up," he added.

Other prominent Democratic governors have warned they will make similar decisions if Texas moves forward. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said that the redistricting initiative mean that Republicans and Democrats are "at war." California Gov. Gavin Newsom made similar claims, and both have warned they will engage in similar redistricting moves if Texas' moves forward.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered on Monday the arrest of Democratic lawmakers who left the state to prevent Republicans from having quorum to pass the initiative. State House lawmakers passed a motion allowing the Speaker of the House to issue civil warrants for the arrest of those who did not attend the session.

The order directs the state's Department of Public Safety to "locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans."

Abbott also said Democrats' threats are a "bunch of crazy bluster." "Democrats are freaking out because they are realizing Texas has the authority to redistrict and we'll do so in a way that's going to lead to these additional seats that will vote Republican and they will be serving in Congress in the next session. Democrats are engaging in rhetoric but I don't think they have the capability of living up to it and doing anything about it," he added.