The decision by Texas Democrats to flee the state has ratcheted up tensions and started a new phase in the redistricting war around the country.

Democrats from the Lone Star State’s Legislature fled to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts starting Sunday to avoid giving Republicans the quorum needed to pass a highly unusual effort for partisan, middecade redistricting that could benefit them in next year’s midterms.

In response, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered the arrest of the “delinquent” Democrats, not long after Republicans in the state House passed a motion directing officials to bring them back to the state under warrant.

“Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans,” Abbott said in a statement Monday afternoon. “By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty.”

The rapidly escalating tit for tat underscores how the redistricting battle has turned into an all-out national brawl ahead of what both parties expect to be a fiercely fought midterm election.

“Let's be clear, this is not just rigging the system in Texas,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) told reporters on Sunday, flanked by Texas Democrats. “It's about rigging the system against the rights of all Americans for years to come.”

The Texas Democrats’ decision to break quorum — or the minimum number of lawmakers needed in order to conduct business in the Legislature — came as Republicans look to advance an even friendly GOP congressional map that could net them five additional seats ahead of next year.

The redistricting move was encouraged by President Trump as Republicans brace for an unfavorable political environment next year — and the possibility of Democratic investigations into his administration if the party loses the House.

Democrats have........

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