Texas Democrats, shut out of power in the state Capitol for decades, last fled the state in 2003 to thwart a redistricting plan. Turner noted this time the state lawmakers had dual goals. When Democrats fled the state two decades ago state troopers were deployed to bring them back. Vice President Kamala Harris applauded Texas Democrats for their "courage and commitment” before they boarded the flight. Dan Patrick signaled that he would still try to pass a voting bill as early as Tuesday in the Senate.

Source: ABC News July 12, 2021 17:38 UTC