Democrats Continue to Fight for the Lone Star State

The fight continues to stand with Texas Democrats who are boldly taking a stand against Trump and Abbott.

Happy Thursday, Democrats!

This week on The Blue Print, we are keeping you updated on what’s going on in Texas, how the DNC and Democrats across the country are taking a stand against Donald Trump and Governor Abbott, and how you can join us in this fight!

What’s Going on in Texas.

On July 21, 2025, the Texas state Legislature began a special session to address urgent issues, including the catastrophic floods that devastated the Hill Country earlier in July. But instead of prioritizing relief for their constituents, the folks who put them in office, Texas Republicans chose to exploit their majority to push a mid-decade redistricting plan designed to silence voters. Their proposed map aims to flip five Democratic held congressional districts.

Source: @TheDemocrats on Twitter(X)

In a show of power, Texas Democrats left the state on August 3 for places like Chicago, where many still are today, to break quorum and prevent the legislature from adopting the new map. Since then, Governor Greg Abbott has sought to remove the leader of the Texas House Democrats from office simply for standing up for democracy and not kneeling over to Republicans and Trump.

U.S. Senator John Cornyn recently announced that Trump flunky Kash Patel had agreed to deploy the FBI to “find” Texas Democrats who are fighting for our democracy and have been doing public events all week. Although the FBI may informally assist local law enforcement to locate fugitives, it is not a secret where Texas Democrats are staying. Any FBI involvement would be a waste of federal resources.

Where We Are Now

Last week, DNC Chair Ken Martin stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Texas House Democrats in Chicago after they left the state to block a Republican-led redistricting effort.

Source: Chair Ken Martin on Twitter(X)

At the press conference, Chair Martin didn’t mince words:

“Texas Democrats are doing their damn jobs. They are standing up for the Constitution. They are standing up for their democracy. They are standing up for the voices of their constituents.”

While the focus is currently on Texas, this isn't an isolated instance, but a foreshadowing of what’s to come for states across the country if Trump feels his hold on power is at risk. The GOP’s push for extreme gerrymandering is a calculated move to chip away at our democracy. This is yet another step in Trump’s authoritarian playbook to rig the system in his favor.

How Democrats Are Stepping Up

Democrats across the country are stepping up to support Texas lawmakers in their fight. State legislators from coast to coast have spoken out, condemning the GOP’s redistricting push as a direct threat to democratic representation.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has played a key role, offering Chicago as a safe haven to protect Texas Democrats from the threat of arrest and publicly applauding their courage. Last week, during the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) summit in Boston, Texas Democrats held a press conference on the steps of the Massachusetts State House alongside lawmakers from over 35 states. The event, held on the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, showed that when threatened, Democrats come together to support one another because this can happen to anyone.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also met with the Texas delegation and called the Republican redistricting effort “a partisan, craven, political power grab.” Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado put it plainly: “We are literally holding the line on democracy. Not just for Texas, but for our nation.”

Democratic Governors Join the Fight

Democratic governors are making it clear: They will not stand by while Republicans attempt to undermine the electoral process. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker have all vowed to retaliate if the GOP follows through with what they describe as an undemocratic power grab.

In the meantime, these governors are adamant about keeping national attention focused on Texas. Governor Pritzker, in particular, has been vocal in his support. During a luncheon last Monday, he gave a heartfelt shoutout to Texas lawmakers for their bravery and resilience.

The DNC’s Response

To date, the DNC has activated 30,000 volunteers to support Texas Democrats and sent over 650,000 texts to mobilize activists on the ground. We aren’t backing down without a fight.

As Chair Ken Martin said, “The DNC is proud to support these legislators in standing up and showing real leadership. We will fight alongside them to stop this anti-democratic assault. And, after this fight is done, we’re coming full force for the Republicans’ House majority.”

How YOU Can Get Involved

If you want to support this critical work, consider starting a sustaining donation to the DNC and getting involved with Organizing Summer.

Last week, we shared Three Ways to Help Democrats Fight the Texas Gerrymander, from joining phone banks to posting on social media. Be sure to take advantage of those opportunities and do your part if you have time!

And if you’re ready to make your voice heard in person, join the movement this Saturday, August 16, at a “Fight the Trump Takeover” rally!

Thank you so much for reading The Blue Print. If you enjoyed this week's newsletter, make sure to like, restack, and share!

Best,

Maya