O’Rourke Warns of Trump’s Potential Third Term
Former Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke expressed concerns on Wednesday that President Donald Trump could secure a third term if Texas Republicans redistrict strategically. O’Rourke pointed out that Texas Democrats recently traveled to Illinois and New York to avoid special legislative sessions aimed at approving district changes that could potentially add five U.S. House seats for the Republicans.
He cautioned that if Democrats don’t prevail, Trump’s path becomes “almost unstoppable.” He stated, “If we fail, the unification of authoritarian power in America is hardly stopped. It means more masked agents with no clear identification and warrants targeting our fellow Americans on the streets.” O’Rourke further noted that this could lead to retaliation against Trump’s political opponents, enhancing violence, especially if those newly acquired seats allow Republicans to advance their agenda, potentially paving the way for Trump’s third term.
“This is literally for all the marbles, and it’s tied to what’s happening in Texas right now,” O’Rourke asserted. “So even if you’re not in Texas, the success of those 56 Texas Democrats is crucial for you too.”
O’Rourke’s Political Action Committee is actively involved in supporting Texas Democrats who have fled to other states. Reports indicate that the Texas Majority PAC, backed by billionaire George Soros, is also contributing to the effort known as “Quorum Break.”
Following the 2022 midterm elections, New York redrew its congressional districts, putting six of the eleven Republican House members at risk. Similarly, Illinois Democrats plan to revisit their districts, aiming to turn at least two Republican seats, including that of former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a notable Trump critic.
It’s important to note that according to the 22nd Amendment, Trump cannot run for a third term unless this amendment is repealed, a process that requires two-thirds approval in both the House and Senate, along with ratification by three-quarters of the states.
