New York Governor Kathy Hochul is promising swift retaliation if Texas Republicans proceed with a redistricting proposal that would eliminate five Democratic congressional seats.
“I won’t sit by while Donald Trump and Texas Republicans try to steal our nation’s future,” Hochul wrote in a post on social media, signaling her intent to fight back if the redistricting map moves forward. She previously warned last week, “All’s fair in love and war,” while indicating she’s coordinating closely with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“We play by the rules — redistricting every 10 years,” Hochul said. “But if other states are ignoring the rules to rig the system in their favor, I won’t hesitate to respond.”
Hochul’s warning aligns her with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who said on Wednesday that California “won’t sit back and watch this happen.”
The political firestorm follows the release of a proposed congressional map in Texas that would target Democratic-held districts in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and South Texas. According to the Texas Tribune, the draft map could significantly alter the state’s political landscape by weakening Democratic representation.
In response, Texas Democrats are reportedly preparing to leave the state to deny Republicans a legislative quorum. Sources told The Tribune that donors are lining up to support the effort, including covering $500-a-day fines and logistical costs. Campaign funds cannot legally be used to pay those fines, but strategists say a fundraising network is already in place — with an estimated $1 million per month needed.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton responded by calling for the arrest of any lawmakers who flee the state. “I will help hunt them down and force their return,” Paxton declared, offering his office’s resources to enforce attendance.
Meanwhile, Democrats nationally are escalating their efforts. The Democratic National Committee has launched an aggressive counter-campaign involving 30,000 volunteers focused on reaching out to Republican voters in targeted Texas districts. ABC News reports the push is aimed at raising awareness and building opposition to the GOP’s redistricting plans ahead of a special legislative session.
