Texas Democrats advocate in Massachusetts

Today is the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and Texas Democrats say voting rights in their state and across the country are under attack. 22 News state house reporter Olivia Ray has these lawmakers trip to the Massachusetts Capital Building. Texas Democrats joined lawmakers from Massachusetts and across the country to hold two press conferences in the last two days. These lawmakers left Texas in order to block a GOP redistricting plan, part of President Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott's plan to flip five seats in the 2026 election. On Tuesday, the lawmakers joined Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin and Governor Mora Healey for a closed door talk. In a press conference afterwards, one Texas lawmaker explained why this issue should matter to voters across the country. This is coming to you. You're next. This is not a Texas problem. This is a United States of America problem. On Wednesday, the lawmakers joined local legislators and legislators from over 35 other states on the state house steps to call for solidarity, an event organized in part by Western Massachusetts Representative Carlos Gonzalez. He says the timing of the redistricting, just over a year before an election is to be held, is wrong and it would deliberately splinter the black and brown vote. When Texas is fighting for black and brown people, Massachusetts stands together. The Texas lawmakers said in both conferences that they are not fleeing the state, but making a strategic decision to protect the voting rights of their constituents. These lawmakers face arrest warrants in their state. And although they make just $600 a month, House members face a $500 fine per day until they return. Working for you from the state house in Boston, I'm Olivia Ray, 22 News.