WASHINGTON (BN24) — Pro-democracy activists and labor organizations staged more than 300 rallies across the United States on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s push for Texas to redraw its congressional map in favor of Republicans.
The coordinated demonstrations spanned 44 states and Washington, D.C., drawing tens of thousands of people, according to organizers. In Texas, former Congressman Beto O’Rourke addressed a crowd, praising the resistance of Democratic state lawmakers who fled to deny Republicans the quorum needed to pass Trump’s redistricting plan.
“They do this because they are afraid,” O’Rourke said, describing the redistricting push as an attempt to silence opposition. “They fear this power they see here today.”
Drucilla Tigner, executive director of the Texas For All coalition, said the nationwide response underscored growing concerns over threats to democracy. Many of the more than 50 Texas Democrats remain in Illinois, avoiding civil arrest warrants enforceable only within Texas.
The walkout derailed a special legislative session called by Governor Greg Abbott, who quickly convened a second session, insisting redistricting, flood safety legislation, and other priorities remain unresolved.
Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a redistricting proposal he said would add five Democratic seats, potentially offsetting Republican gains from Texas. Texas Democrats vowed they would not return until the special session ends and California’s maps are introduced.
