Fight for control of Congress heats up in Texas

(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Tuesday marks day two of a high-stakes game of Texas Hold 'Em.

Democratic lawmakers left a special session in the Lone Star State in effort to block a vote on a Republican congressional redistricting plan being pushed by President Donald Trump ahead of the next year's midterm elections.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott overnight called on state troopers to "track down and arrest" the lawmakers, but more than 50 have left the state, outside the jurisdiction of Texas law enforcement.

Now, governors and legislators in blue states are now threatening to redraw congressional lines in their states.

"Members, a quorum is not present," said Dustin Burrows (R), Texas House Speaker.

Texas Democrats continue their hold-out, with dozens of state lawmakers leaving the House Chamber and the state, effectively blocking a vote on a Republican redistricting plan that could create up to five new GOP seats, and help the party maintain control of the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections.

"Their attempts to disenfranchise Texans is being...the tool they are using is a racist gerrymandering map, and Governor Abbott is doing this in submission to Donald Trump," said Rep. Gene Wu (D), who represents District 137 in Texas.

Texas Republicans are pushing back with Rep. Cody Vasut (R), who represents District 25 in Texas and is the chairman on the Texas House Redistricting Committee, saying, "This map was politically based, and that's totally legal, totally allowed and totally fair."

Governor Abbott threatened to expel the more than 50 absent lawmakers from office while ordering state troopers to find and arrest them.

"I will immediately sign the warrants for the civil arrest of the members who have said they will not be here," Burrows expressed.

Texas may be the spark-point, but clearly, the showdown is just the start of national battle for political power.

Governors in a handful of blue states, including New York, Illinois, and California, are already working on potential redistricting plans to off-set GOP efforts.

"This is a war. We are at war, and that's why the gloves are off. And I say, bring it on," said Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY).

Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential presidential candidate, posted to social media saying, "Buckle up, Donald Trump. California is about to get a whole lot bluer, thanks to you."

Blue. Red. The "map" to the midterm elections is now unclear and contentious, more than a year before voters head to the polls.

The absent lawmakers say they've packed enough clothes to be gone for three weeks. Republicans say they aren't stopping the vote, simply delaying it.

A special session in Texas, by law, can only last 30 days, which means the current session will end August 19.