Texas-sized political drama comes to Boston
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Texas Democrats who left their state to prevent a vote on a new redistricting plan set up camp in Massachusetts on Tuesday, with Gov. Maura Healey a top defender.
Why it matters: Boston is hosting the annual National Conference of State Legislatures summit, where the Texas lawmakers are getting national spotlight in their battle with the GOP and White House over redrawing political districts.
Catch up quick: By leaving Texas, House Democrats are denying the state's Republican majority the two-thirds quorum needed to advance a redistricting bill that would likely result in more GOP seats in Congress at the expense of Democrats.
Driving the news: Gov. Maura Healey hosted a private meeting with several Texas Democrats Tuesday afternoon in her office.
- After, the eight Texas Senators and two House members joined Healey and Secretary of State Bill Galvin to rail against Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's redistricting strategy.
What they're saying: "This is, to be really clear about it, a partisan, craven, political power grab attempt by the president of the United States, Governor Greg Abbott and AG Paxton," Healey said.
Zoom in: Healey framed the dispute as fundamental to American democratic principles and warned that unfair election systems "hurt all Americans."
What's next: The Texas Democrats plan to hold a press conference on the Boston State House steps on Wednesday.