Texas Rep. Todd Hunter defends GOP redistricting plan August 20 Republicans reject amendment to erase enacting clause on 87-50 vote as Democrats slam plan as racial discrimination in talkathon with filibuster effect while California prepares to counter as Newsom poll numbers soar. more   Democrat poised to spend second night in a row on floor in the company of colleagues who shred police escort permission slips as attempt to strip freedom from members who broke quorum backfires in publicity bonanza for lawmakers fighting map. more Reps. Rhetta Bowers, Mihaela Plesa, Cassie Garcia Hernandez and Senfronia Thompson protest police escort scheme August 19   @JBPritzker and Gene Wu at rally, Toni Rose shows papers August 18   Abbott says GOP has more bullets to use against Democrats who blew up special remap session with walkout that could be game-changer if California counters while AG scores only point for majority party on scoreboard for first failed session. more @TexasHDC touts commanding win in roune one on map August 18   Rep. Gene Wu thanks Barack Obama for words on walkout August 14 House Dems break quorum final time in first special session and declare victory with walkout that passed torch to Golden State that could make Texas Republicans losers even if they pass map after worst showing in 22 years of GOP rule. more   Texas governor fails to make cut of possible White House GOP contenders that includes Cruz in second as fight at top of 2026 ticket goes from potential blowout to dead heat as more voters oppose map push but think Dems should be jailed for fleeing. more U.S. Sen. John Cornyn touts ICE detentions at Fort Bliss August 12   Democrats rally against redistricting at Texas Capitol on August 16 Ted Cruz raises specter of wipeouts in redistricting in two largest states that push country closer to system similar to electoral college where majority party in states has monopoly on seats if they win more Congress votes statewide. more   Texas Rep. John Bucy on fight to stop map on ABC News August 12