Texas House Democrats have left the state in order to derail a Republican-driven redistricting plan designed to flip up to five congressional seats from blue to red. After a House committee voted Sunday to advance a redistricting bill to the full body,

The revolt by the state House Democrats, many of whom went to Illinois or New York on Sunday, and Abbott giving them less than 24 hours to come home ratcheted up a widening fight over congressional maps that began in Texas but has drawn in Democratic governors.

The governor also alleged absconding Democrats may have committed felonies by fundraising to cover the $500-a-day fines they will face under House rules.