Still, Jeffries isn't worried that Republican redistricting success would effectively hand the GOP control of the House in the 2026 midterms. Last time Trump was in office, Democrats flipped 41 seats, which would be more than enough to win the majority and make Jeffries speaker even if Republicans force through several more gerrymanders.

According to a copy of the letter posted on X by state Rep. Venton Jones, D-Dallas, the total fine is $9,345.25. A spokesman for the House Democratic Caucus confirmed that all of the Democrats who remained absent received the letter.

Under the newly drawn maps, Republicans will likely increase the number of seats in Texas from 25 to 30, and Democrats will see their number of seats drop from 13 to eight. Lawmakers from both parties blamed each other for using race.