Democrats in New York, California and Illinois are threatening to redraw their own maps in retaliation to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called the Texas Democrats "heroes" at a joint press conference this morning in the Chicago area. Why it matters: President Trump's push to redraw Texas' congressional map is designed to net the GOP up to five House seats — potentially enough to decide the majority for Trump's final two years in office.

The lawsuit alleges Gene Wu forfeited his office when he led the Democratic House caucus in fleeing the state over redistricting.

Gov. Greg Abbott asked the Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday to remove House Democratic Caucus chair Rep. Gene Wu of Houston. The lawsuit filed by the governor’s office comes hours after Attorney General Ken Paxton made a similar threat Tuesday afternoon.