The lawmakers’ absence means the lower chamber won’t have enough members present to function, stalling passage of a draft map Democrats have condemned as a political power grab.

Texas Democrats have fled the state in an effort to keep Republicans from approving a new U.S. House map that could boost their slim congressional majority next year.

With the redistricting clock ticking and national eyes once again on Texas, Democrats are hoping the Windy City will blow some momentum their way.