Democratic state legislators from Texas were evacuated from their suburban Chicago hotel Wednesday morning following a threat at the property, and a news conference set to feature Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin was cancelled
Durbin was to join the Illinois Democratic voices who have rallied behind the Texas Democrats, who traveled to the state in an effort to block the passage of a new Republican-drawn congressional map. Because the members are absent, the Texas state House does not have a quorum to move forward with legislation.
The public announcement system inside the hotel issued an evacuation directive around 7:15 a.m. local time, and lawmakers and staff rushed outside, according to one of the people inside.
“This morning, a threat was made against the safety of the members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus,” three Texas state House Democrats said in a statement. “We are safe, we are secure, and we are undeterred and unintimidated. We are grateful for Governor Pritzker, local, and state law enforcement for their quick action to ensure our safety.”
About 400 people in all were evacuated, according to the St. Charles Police Department. The Kane County bomb squad was asked to assist and following a search, police said no device was found. The investigation continues, according to police.
The Democratic legislators left Texas for Chicago, Boston and Albany, New York, on Sunday, after the Texas state legislature began a special session aimed at, among other things, drawing a new congressional map giving Republicans a path to a 5-seat gain in the 2026 midterm elections.
Republicans are protecting a narrow 3-seat majority in the chamber ahead of the midterms.