Texas showdown comes to Illinois

Politico

18 hours ago

Happy Monday, y'all. And greetings to the Texas lawmakers who are visiting.
TOP TALKER
REBELS WITH A CAUSE: In an extraordinary show of political defiance, more than 30 Texas House Democrats packed their bags Sunday and flew to Illinois, where they plan to hole up to protest a redistricting plan that could cement Republican control of Congress in 2026. POLITICO's Adam Wren had the scoop.
'We're not here to play games. We're here to demand an end to this corrupt process,' said Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu at a press conference called in the suburban strip mall headquarters of the DuPage County Democratic Party.
By fleeing Texas, lawmakers broke quorum — the minimum number of legislators needed to conduct business — during their special legislative session that was to address the redistricting proposal.
Republicans have strategically tied their remap to financial relief for families affected by recent devastating floods that left more than 120 people dead.
That move has angered Democrats, who face fines and, potentially, legal action for leaving. Gov. Greg Abbott has used victims of 'this tragedy as hostages in a political game,' said Wu.
The Texas Democrats face $500 fines for missing legislative days as well as threats of legal action by the Texas attorney general.
'I'm not afraid, and I'm prepared' to stay for as long as it takes, said Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, vice chair of the Texas Black Caucus, told your Playbook host when she arrived at the DuPage HQ.
The Texas Dems have allies in Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Democrats, who have managed logistics to find hotels for the Texans, possibly until Aug. 19 when their special session officially ends.
Pritzker joined the group Sunday, saying he supports their endeavor and will do what he can to help. He declined to say whether that includes donating to pay for any of the fines lawmakers might incur for missing legislative days.
Smaller groups of Texas Democrats were headed to New York to meet with Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and Boston for a conference. Some of those legislators are expected to make their way to Illinois, too.
At stake: The proposed Texas map would reshape that state's political terrain by creating as many as five additional Republican-friendly congressional districts. That's about what Republicans need to keep their grip on the U.S. House.
Texas Republicans have defended the remap effort, saying the 2024 election showed that Latinos have swung to the right. 'Each of these newly-drawn districts now trend Republican,' Republican state Rep. Todd Hunter said at a recent hearing.
Behind closed doors: A few Texas Democrats met with Pritzker last month to talk about strategy to fight the redistricting effort. And in June, Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder met with Pritzker in Oklahoma, where the governor was headlining a political event.
On the attack: Pritzker called President Donald Trump 'a cult leader' for pushing for the remap and said Texas Republicans are basically 'cheating,' a comment he's used before. Illinois Republicans say it's 'hypocritical,' given Illinois has gerrymandered its own maps.
The difference, Pritzker said Sunday, is that Illinois did it 'according to the constitution' after the 10-year census numbers came out, not mid-cycle as Texas Republicans are doing.
RELATED
Dems are hoping for a blue wave that might not happen, by POLITICO's Danny Nguyen
THE BUZZ
ARMS GAME: Congresswoman Robin Kelly, one of several Democrats running to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, stood out last week with a statement that she supported the Senate vote to block weapons sales to Israel.
Durbin and Sen. Tammy Duckworth both voted in favor of blocking the sales.
It was a moment of clarity for Kelly, while her top Democratic opponents — Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi — stayed mostly quiet on the issue.
In her statement, Kelly said she would have voted with Durbin and Duckworth. 'I have supported Israel, but in this moment, I cannot in good conscience defend starving young children and prolonging the suffering of innocent families.'
Kelly also signed on to a letter with 93 House Democrats calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to release information on how the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the controversial U.S. group running aid distribution in Gaza, operates.
In a statement to Playbook, Krishnamoorthi said he has 'long supported' the U.S. alliance with Israel and its right to defend itself after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, adding, what's happening in Gaza now is a 'moral catastrophe' that demands urgent action. He's written his own letter to Rubio.
Why it matters: Kelly, Stratton and Krishnamoorthi are establishment Democrats who are likely aligned on most issues. This one is setting them apart.
If you are Greg Abbott, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: [e-mail]
WHERE'S JB
No official public event
WHERE's BRANDON
At South Shore Cultural Center at 8:30 a.m. for the sustainable community schools announcement — At IIT at 10 a.m. for the electric vehicle readiness award ceremony
Where's Toni
In Champaign at 11:45 a.m. to deliver remarks at the opening of the Edgar Fellows Program's 2025 Executive Leadership Training
Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email [e-mail]
BUSINESS OF POLITICS
— NEW: Republican Richard Porter has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Dick Durbin, according to his social media post to friends. 'I intend to stay involved in the effort to turn around Illinois.' Here's his post
— FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Anthony Driver Jr., director of the SEIU Illinois State Council and noted public safety advocate, has officially launched his campaign for the IL-07 congressional seat now held by Rep. Danny Davis. Here's his launch video
'It's time for a bold vision for Chicago, one led by a leader who's done the work on the ground, delivered results and who will fight like hell to bring jobs back to the district and cut costs for working families. As congressman, I'll drive change each and every day,' Driver, 32, said in a statement.
His resume: Driver previously worked for SEIU Healthcare in advocating for the $15 minimum wage that the city approved. He also helped establish the Chicago Police Department's first civilian oversight board.
— POUNDING THE PAVEMENT: Tuesday marks the official start of Illinois' 2026 campaign season. From U.S. Senate hopefuls to aspiring party committee leaders, candidates across the state will begin the critical — and grueling — work of collecting petition signatures to qualify for the March 17 primary ballot. Signature requirements vary by office and district.
— Chicago Democrats issue warnings about their mayor amid Zohran Mamdani's rise: 'Mamdani's camp is tracking Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's challenges and trying to avoid repeating his missteps, according to a person close to both Mamdani's and Johnson's teams,' by NBC News's Natasha Korecki.
— Kane County Auditor Penny Wegman announces bid for treasurer, by Shaw Local's Brenda Schory.
— In IL-07: City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin's team says she has raised $50,000 since announcing last week that she's running for Congress.
— In IL-02: Iron Workers District Council has endorsed Robert Peters for Congress.
— In the state Senate: State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz has been endorsed by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) in her 6th District senate campaign. Schakowsky credited Feigenholtz for her work supporting abortion rights. 'When Donald Trump threatened access to choice, she took immediate action in Springfield to protect reproductive rights. Sara brings that same energy to protecting our communities.'
— In Cook County: Cat Sharp, who's running in the 12th District Cook County Commission race, has been endorsed by the 45th Ward Democrats and Committeeman Michael Rabbitt.
— Democratic Central Committee: Congressman Danny Davis, who announced he won't seek reelection, also says he won't run for the State Central Committee seat he also holds — and he's endorsing House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch for the job. In a release, Welch's team says he's also endorsed by Illinois Democratic Party Chair Lisa Hernandez and DNC member Dan Hynes among others.
THE STATEWIDES
— Illinois joins suit against Trump administration orders limiting gender-affirming care: 'Raoul declines to give guidance to Illinois hospitals that have fallen in line with federal guidelines,' by Capitol News' Ben Szalinski.
— Decatur carbon storage site that leaked set to restart injections, by E&E News' Carlos Anchondo
CHICAGO
— Gov. JB Pritzker signs Chicago police and fire pension bill that's expected to cost city billions: 'The new law aims to bring parity between Chicago and downstate first responders and help bridge a shortfall in benefits for employees hired after 2010. Chicago police officers and firefighters argued they deserved the same benefits as downstate first responders,' by the Tribune's Jeremy Gorner and A.D. Quig.
— CPS must present a plan to close its deficit within 9 days: 'After trims this summer, the school district's budget hole is $569 million. The options are few but include borrowing, furloughs and banking on new funds that may or may not materialize,' by WBEZ's Sarah Karp
— As Harold Washington Library nears 35, officials seek new chapter for the institution, by the Sun-Times' Lee Bey.
— Black Panther Party's Illinois history recognized with heritage trail, by the Tribune's Darcel Rockett.
COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS
— ICE argues courthouse immigration arrests make sense, but local opponents fear impact, by the Daily Herald's Barbara Vitello
— US Rep. Sean Casten shouted down at town hall, pro-Palestinian protesters removed, by the Daily Southtown's Hank Beckman
— Illinois Gaming Board revokes license of Cicero video gambling operator, alleging mob ties, by the Tribune's Robert McCoppin
TAKING NAMES
— Barack Obama's former Hawaiian vacation home lists for $14.9M, by the Robb Report luxury magazines' Demetrius Simms
Reader Digest
We asked what song would be in your August playlist.
Denise Barreto: Moment by Victoria Monét.
Peter Creticos: Zorba's Dance by Mikis Theodorakis. 'It's a celebration of life and living it with abandon.'
Lucas Hawley: August by Flipturn.
Charles Keller: Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey by Paul McCartney. 'It's about remembering the past, and it takes me back to summers in the 1970s.'
Gregory Koeppen: Hot In Herre by Nelly. 'It's the perfect soundtrack for a month when both the weather and the campaign trails are heating up.'
Jim Lyons: Groovin' by The Young Rascals. 'The great lazy days of summer song.'
Ed Mazur: Summer in the City by the Lovin' Spoonful (1966) and covered later by Styx, Joe Cocker and Isaac Hayes.
Timothy Powell: Mountain Jam by the Allman Brothers. 'It brings back hazy memories of cruising around in a Plymouth Barracuda convertible with my high school sweetheart (now my wife) Betty. I just wish that Chicago summer would last as long as that song.'
Chris Ruys: Hot Fun in the Summertime by Sly and the Family Stone. 'It has a timeless vibe and celebrates togetherness.'
Alfred Saucedo: Rockaway Beach by the Ramones (1977).
Michael Stokke: August's Rhapsody by Mark Mancina for the movie 'August Rush.'
James Straus: Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen.
Timothy Thomas: Everybody Loves the Sunshine by Roy Ayers.
Patricia Ann Watson: Teenage Dream by Katy Perry.
Brent Zhorne: You And Me (And The Bottle Makes Three) Tonight by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. 'Bourbon please.'
NEXT QUESTION: If you could only keep one App on your phone, what would it be?
THE NATIONAL TAKE
— Congress is on summer break. Funding 'chaos' awaits, by POLITICO's Jennifer Scholtes, Katherine Tully-McManus and Jordain Carney
— Indiana Gov. Braun greenlights state police, agencies to cooperate with ICE, by the Post-Tribune's Meredith Colias-Pete
— Kamala Harris has misgivings about government. Some Dems have misgivings about her, via POLITICO's Dustin Gardiner, Melanie Mason, Elena Schneider, Brakkton Booker and Jeff Coltin
EVENTS
— Aug. 12: Senate President Don Harmon and the Senate Democratic Caucus will hold their fundraising reception. Details here
— Aug. 12: Congressman Danny Davis headlines a fundraiser for state Rep. La Shawn Ford in Oak Park. Details here
— Aug. 14: Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush headlines the Ida B. Wells Legacy Committee summer fundraiser. Details here
TRIVIA
FRIDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Janet Mathis for correctly answering that Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks was a CTA board member from 1969 to 1981.
TODAY's QUESTION: Who wrote and sang the song about serial killer John Wayne Gacy? Email to: [e-mail].
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, former President Barack Obama, minister and former state Sen. James Meeks, novelist and former Cook County Judge Larry Axelrood and CPS Senior Comms Specialist James Malnati.
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