Texas’ partisan battle over a mid-decade redraw of its 38 congressional districts intensified after Republican leaders advanced a map that could give the party up to five more U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterms. President Donald Trump, who won the state in 2024, defended the plan on CNBC, saying Republicans are “entitled to five more seats.” Dozens of Democratic state representatives left Texas on 3 Aug. for Illinois, denying the House the two-thirds quorum needed to pass the bill. Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Supreme Court to declare the seats of the absent lawmakers vacant and vowed to have them arrested if they return. The Democrats, in a 9 Aug. court filing, argued that leaving the chamber was a lawful tactic to protect voters’ rights and said only the legislature can discipline its own members. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, hosting many of the Texans, said the proposed map “violates the Constitution” and rejected Abbott’s threat, noting that “Texas law does not apply in the state of Illinois.” Pritzker’s stance drew accusations of hypocrisy from critics who pointed to independent ratings that give Illinois’ own map failing marks for fairness. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul faced similar questions over her state’s redistricting record. Separately, Tarrant County District Judge Megan Fahey issued a temporary restraining order on 9 Aug. barring former U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke and his group Powered by People from raising money for the runaway Democrats. The judge said the fundraising constituted deceptive practices because the donations were being used for personal expenses in potential violation of Texas election and penal codes. Republicans say the Texas map is essential to preserving their slim House majority, with state Senator Mayes Middleton calling the measure a chance to “save America.” Democrats counter that the mid-cycle redraw amounts to “cheating,” in the words of Sen. Bernie Sanders, who urged the party to “fight back.” With court challenges mounting and lawmakers still out of state, the dispute shows no sign of an immediate resolution.