BURSTIllinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), who has vowed to protect Texas Democrats who fled their state over GOP redistricting efforts, accused President Trump of trying to “steal” congressional seats from the people.
“Donald Trump is trying to steal five seats from the people, frankly, of the country, not just the people of Texas, and disenfranchise people," Pritzker told CBS's "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," when asked to describe what led the Democrats to leave the Lone Star State. "We're talking about violating the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution."
“So, the great heroes of the Texas House Democratic Caucus decided the only thing they could do in order to stop it was, leave Texas,” he continued. “And where did they decide to come to? The safe haven of the state of Illinois, where we are going to protect them and take care of them.”
The governor added, “I’m very proud of them."
More than 50 Texas Democratic lawmakers have scattered to several blue states in an effort to block their Republican colleagues from passing what they see as a heavily gerrymandered congressional map during a special legislative session.
The map is designed to give Republicans five more pickup opportunities, something President Trump has pushed for as the GOP braces for a potentially challenging midterm election next year.
Trump on Tuesday told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that Republicans are “entitled” to the five seats.
“We have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas,” the president said. “I got the highest vote in the history of Texas.”
The sentiment was echoed by Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R).
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) earlier this week ordered the Democrats’ arrests after the state House was unable to conduct business, arguing they violated their oath of office. On Tuesday, he also sued to remove Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu from his seat amid the redistricting showdown.
Trump and Republicans in the state have also pressed the FBI to intervene and force the lawmakers, who have vowed to continue fighting, to return to the state to finish voting.