Democrats and Republicans faced sharp criticism after a US senator claimed that the FBI agreed to assist Republicans in locating Texas Democratic lawmakers. These lawmakers had left the state to prevent the enactment of a gerrymandered congressional map that would add five Republican seats before the upcoming midterm elections. The FBI refused to comment on Senator John Cornyn’s assertion, and neither has it confirmed helping to locate the lawmakers. Cornyn suggested that the FBI’s involvement could be due to lawmakers soliciting or accepting funds to avoid their legislative duties, possibly for bribery or public corruption. However, the lawmakers have not been charged with any crime.
Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois, where many of the Democratic lawmakers are staying, welcomed the FBI to the state but noted that no US federal law prohibits the lawmakers from being there. Other Democrats labeled this action as an attempt to intimidate the opposition.
Experts in law question the role of federal law enforcement in this matter, arguing that there should be clear constitutional grounds for such involvement. Texas Governor Greg Abbott also tried to get Gene Wu, a top Democrat who fled, removed from office. The Texas attorney general announced an investigation into funding provided to the lawmakers staying in Illinois.
Conversely, a brazen nationwide effort by Republicans to redraw congressional maps in their favor is underway. JD Vance recently met with Republican lawmakers in Indiana to lobby for more GOP-friendly maps. Currently, Republicans dominate in Indiana with seven of nine congressional seats.
The push to redraw districts comes as Republicans look to maintain control of the House of Representatives amid their historically slim margin. The president’s party typically loses House seats during midterm elections, underscoring the importance of the redistricting for the GOP.
The controversy intensified when two Texas lawmakers were detained for a security briefing amidst reports of FBI involvement. The lawmakers refrained from discussing potential conflicts between state and federal law enforcement, choosing to focus on pressing issues such as flooding relief instead.
California and New York, under complete Democratic control, have vowed to counter Republican redistricting efforts, although their plans are hindered by legal restrictions that make aggressive gerrymandering more challenging.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/07/jd-vance-indiana-redistricting-midterms
