A group of Texas Democratic lawmakers who left their state to block a Republican redistricting push were evacuated from their Illinois hotel on August 6 after a bomb threat prompted a police response.
The incident occurred at the Q Center hotel and convention complex in St. Charles, a suburb west of Chicago, where some of the lawmakers were staying. According to the St. Charles Police Department, officers responded at 7:15 a.m. CT following reports of a potential bomb threat.
A joint search conducted by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad and local police found no explosive devices on the premises. Authorities confirmed that around 400 guests and staff were evacuated as a precaution and allowed to return once the building was cleared.
“Following clearance from authorities, all guests and staff have safely returned to the premises,” police said in a statement.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the threat, writing on X: “Threats of violence will be investigated and those responsible will be held accountable.”
Texas Rep. John Bucy III, one of the lawmakers at the hotel, told USA TODAY that many legislators were still asleep when the evacuation began. The group gathered outside as police conducted their search. “It took about two hours before everything was cleared up,” Bucy said. “I want to say thank you to Gov. Pritzker, law enforcement, and hotel staff. They worked diligently to make sure the place was safe. They are showing what real leadership looks like.”
Bucy criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott, saying, “It’s sad to me that Greg Abbott doesn’t have the same qualities in him as a leader.”
The Texas Democrats had left their home state on August 3, seeking to deny the Republican-controlled legislature the quorum required to advance redistricting legislation that could reshape congressional districts in favor of the GOP. The proposed maps could add up to five new Republican seats in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In response, Governor Abbott filed an emergency petition on August 5 aiming to remove the Democratic leader of the Texas House from office. The fleeing lawmakers have since dispersed to several Democrat-led states, including Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts.
The incident underscores the rising political tensions surrounding redistricting efforts across the country and the growing confrontations between state-level parties over the future balance of power in Congress.