() Democrats in Texas have ramped up efforts to challenge a GOP-led plan to redistrict the state for political gains in Washington, D.C.
“You know, they are expecting us to bend the knee like so many powerful people in this country have done,” said Beto O’Rourke, former congressman. “But in Texas, we’re here to remind them that our knees can’t be bent. We will stand, we will fight, we will stop this power grab.”
O’Rourke spoke to as more than 150 “Fight the Trump Takeover” rallies were held across the country to challenge President Trump’s efforts to increase Republican control of the U.S. House.
In O’Rourke’s home state of Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is carrying out Trump’s orders to redraw congressional maps mid-decade. The Texas State Legislature has been locked in a standoff over a push to notch more seats for Republicans in next year’s midterms.
“I love it,” O’Rourke added. “Finally, Democrats are fighting. For far too long, my party has cared too long about being right than being in power. The other party has only cared about being in power.”
Most Texas Democrats who left the state are now in Illinois, and protesters said they have their full support. The first 30-day session is set for next week.
Along with Texas, California is also battling the redistricting plan. Gov. Gavin Newsom has warned that if his state and Texas end up changing, it could spark a battle coast-to-coast.
