Texas AG Ken Paxton has chilling threat to Democrats trying to stop GOP redistricting efforts

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued strong warnings to state Democrats who are reportedly planning to leave Texas in an attempt to stop GOP-led redistricting efforts. These warnings come as the state’s Republican party moves forward with a new congressional map, a change that could greatly affect the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026.

The Democrats’ plan focuses on preventing Republicans from unfairly changing the structure so they can pass legislation without any pushback. By refusing to attend the legislative session, they hope to stop the redistricting process, a strategy they have used before. However, this plan comes with risks.

According to Fox, State rules impose a $500 fine for each day a lawmaker is absent without permission. These rules were tightened in 2023 after a similar mass walkout by Democrats two years earlier, an effort that ultimately failed to stop Republican-backed laws.

Democrats face law enforcement over trying to stop redistrict efforts

Despite these fines, Texas Democrats are reportedly raising money to cover the potential costs. However, there is a legal problem: Texas House rules clearly ban lawmakers from using campaign funds to pay such fines. Still, Democrats involved in fundraising efforts say they believe they have found a legal way to provide the money to legislators.

They argue that since Texas lawmakers face few restrictions on outside income, donations could be classified as a form of salary. One estimate suggested lawmakers might need as much as $1 million per month to keep the protest going, a sum that those organizing the fundraising say they can secure. There’s no telling if this leads to censures or more silly bills.

The political reasons behind the redistricting push are clear. Texas Republicans want to increase their already large majority in the state’s congressional delegation, which currently stands at 25 Republicans to 12 Democrats, with one seat empty. The new redistricting plan, which has not yet been fully revealed, is expected to create more Republican-leaning districts, giving the party a stronger advantage in national elections, especially looking ahead to the 2026 House races.

Republicans are aiming to strengthen their control of the House of Representatives. Attorney General Paxton has responded to the Democrats’ possible strategy with strong criticism. He said, “If Democrats ignore their duty to their constituents by breaking quorum, they should be found and arrested no matter where they go. The people of Texas elected them to do a job, not run away and hide like cowards… My office stands ready to assist local, state, and federal authorities in hunting down and compelling the attendance of anyone who abandons their office and their constituents for cheap political theater.”

The current redistricting efforts in Texas are also affected by concerns from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ has suggested that four existing Texas districts may have been drawn unfairly along racial lines. While Republicans claim their actions are partly meant to address these concerns, Democrats argue that the timing and nature of the mid-decade redistricting are purely political, meant to strengthen GOP power.