(The Center Square) – Only five days into the special session and 15 Texas House Democrats left the state to meet with the Democratic governors of California and Illinois looking for ways to oppose redistricting efforts underway in Texas.

The Texas legislature began a special legislative session on Monday to address 18 legislative items identified by Gov. Greg Abbott, including redistricting. Texas is expected to gain five congressional seats whereas Illinois and California are expected to lose seats after the 2030 Census. Under Democratic governors, Illinois and California have repeatedly lost residents, businesses and jobs. Under Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas leads the U.S. in job creation every month, ranks as the best state for business every year, and continues to report population records.