Austin, Texas — Texas Governor Greg Abbott has escalated the standoff with Democratic state lawmakers who fled the state to avoid a key vote on redistricting, threatening both legal and political consequences if they do not return by Monday afternoon.
On Sunday evening, roughly 50 Democratic representatives left Texas for Chicago in an effort to deny the Republican-controlled House the quorum needed to conduct business. With 150 members in the chamber, at least 100 must be present to move forward with legislation. Their absence halted proceedings on a controversial redistricting plan that Democrats argue is designed to cement GOP dominance.
Abbott Issues Warning
In a strongly worded statement, Abbott accused Democrats of abandoning their responsibilities.
“Real Texans don’t flee from a battle,” Abbott declared. “Rather than doing their job and voting on urgent legislation affecting the lives of all Texans, they have fled Texas to deprive the House of the quorum necessary to meet and conduct business.”
Abbott warned that any Democrat who continues to resist could be subject to removal from office under the Texas Constitution. He pointed specifically to Article III, Section 13, which allows legislators to be declared as having forfeited their office if they abandon their duties. Such vacancies, Abbott emphasized, could be filled quickly by gubernatorial appointment.
Threat of Arrest and Legal Penalties
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton backed Abbott’s position, asserting that the absent lawmakers could be tracked down and arrested if necessary. “They should be found and arrested no matter where they go,” Paxton said, underscoring the seriousness of the governor’s ultimatum.
Abbott also raised the stakes further by warning about possible criminal consequences tied to fundraising. Democrats who solicit or accept money to cover fines or expenses related to their absence could, according to Abbott, be in violation of state bribery laws.
“Any Democrat who ‘solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept’ such funds… may have violated bribery laws,” Abbott cautioned, citing provisions in the Texas Penal Code. He further argued that donors who contribute funds to aid the absent legislators could also face legal exposure.
Democrats Respond: “Come and Take It”
The Texas House Democratic Caucus fired back with a short but defiant message after Abbott’s threats: “Come and take it.”
In a letter to the public, Democrats accused Republicans of attempting to manipulate district boundaries in what they called a “racist mid-decade redistricting scheme.” According to their argument, the proposed changes could hand Republicans as many as five additional congressional seats in the next election cycle.
What Happens Next
The House is scheduled to reconvene Monday at 3 p.m., though it remains unclear whether Democrats will return. If they stay out of state, Abbott’s threat of removal and arrest could spark a constitutional showdown with national implications.
Observers say the confrontation highlights the deep partisan rifts in Texas, where Republicans wield significant control but Democrats have repeatedly used quorum-busting tactics to delay or block controversial measures.
For now, both sides remain dug in — with Abbott threatening to use the full weight of state law to force lawmakers back, and Democrats insisting their walkout is a stand against political manipulation.
