Texas Democrats boldly defy Governor Abbott even as he drops threats of arrests and an endless ‘fight’

A political conflict is growing in Texas as dozens of House Democrats have left the state, flying to Chicago in a bold attempt to stop a vote on a controversial redistricting plan. This action has drawn strong reactions from Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who has warned that the lawmakers could face arrest, felony charges, and even removal from office if they do not return by a set deadline.

The Democrats have responded defiantly, making it clear they plan to continue protesting what they call a “racist mid-decade redistricting scheme.” Fox News reported that around 50 Democratic state representatives left on Sunday night, effectively bringing legislative work in the Texas House to a halt. The House needs at least 100 of its 150 members present to conduct official business, and the absence of these lawmakers means there are not enough members to vote.

Their main goal in leaving the state is to block a new redistricting map that Republicans say would give the GOP five more U.S. House seats in the next midterm elections. Critics of the plan argue it would drastically change the political makeup of traditionally Democratic areas, like Dallas and Houston, shifting power toward Republicans. One major effect of the proposed map could be forcing a Democratic representative out of her current district.

Texas Congress is at war over gerrymandering

Governor Abbott has publicly criticized the Democrats’ actions, saying that “real Texans don’t run from a fight.” He stressed that voting as elected officials is a duty, not a choice. Abbott has given the “negligent Democrat House members” until 3 PM on Monday to return to the Texas State Capitol, when the House is set to meet again.

If they do not come back, he warned, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton could remove them from office. The Attorney General has already suggested that the lawmakers should be tracked down and arrested, no matter where they are.

The Governor’s threats are based on parts of the Texas Constitution and the Texas Penal Code. He pointed to Article III, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution, which says a lawmaker can lose their position for abandoning their duties, creating an opening that the Governor could then fill quickly. Beyond losing their seats, Abbott also raised the possibility of felony charges, specifically mentioning bribery laws.

He warned that any Democrat who asks for, accepts, or agrees to take money to avoid fines under House rules or to skip a vote could be breaking bribery laws. Similarly, anyone who offers or gives money to the fleeing lawmakers could also face charges. Abbott ended his statement by saying he would use his “full extradition authority” to bring back any “potential out-of-state felons” to Texas.

Despite the increasing threats, the Texas House Democratic Caucus has stood firm. Their short but strong response, “Come and take it,” shows their refusal to back down. During a press conference in Chicago, a House Democratic Caucus representative said the lawmakers are not playing “political games” but are instead fighting to stop what they see as a “corrupt process.”

The Democrats’ actions have gained support outside Texas. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker publicly backed the Texas Democrats at the Chicago press conference. Pritzker called their departure a “righteous act of courage,” accusing Republicans of trying to silence millions of voters, especially Black and Latino communities.

He said Texas Democrats had no choice but to leave their state to block the vote and protect their constituents’ interests. So far, the lawmakers have not given any hint about when they might return to Texas, meaning the standoff will likely go on, even as JD Vance and Trump get involved.