Governor vows action against Democratic lawmakers who left Texas to block vote on controversial redistricting proposal.
Governor vows action against Democratic lawmakers who left Texas to block vote on controversial redistricting proposal.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to begin removing Democratic state lawmakers from office starting Monday if they fail to return after fleeing the state to block a vote on Republican-drawn US House maps backed by President Donald Trump.
The Democratic lawmakers left for states like Illinois and New York over the weekend to deny the Texas House a quorum and stall the redistricting vote. In response, Abbott said he would use a 2021 legal opinion issued by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton to support efforts to oust them, arguing their prolonged absence could be considered forfeiture of office.
But Democrats have pushed back, accusing the governor of grandstanding and exceeding his authority. “He has no legal mechanism,” said Rep. Jolanda Jones, speaking from New York. “Subpoenas from Texas don’t work in New York… or Chicago. He’s putting up smoke and mirrors.”
House Democrats issued a defiant four-word statement: “Come and take it.”
The standoff has escalated a political battle that began in Texas and now echoes nationally, with some Democratic governors even considering redrawing their own maps in retaliation—though options remain limited.
Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said members were committed to fighting the redistricting push. “We will do whatever it takes. What that looks like, we don’t know,” he said during a stop in Chicago, where the lawmakers were welcomed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
A similar walkout in 2021 saw Texas Democrats leave the state for 38 days in protest of voting restrictions. Although the protest drew national attention, Republicans ultimately passed the legislation once the Democrats returned. This time, Abbott has taken a more aggressive stance, even suggesting the lawmakers could face felony charges for raising money to pay potential fines.
The proposed maps, which were scheduled for a vote Monday, cannot be passed without a quorum, which fleeing Democrats have successfully denied by relocating out of state and beyond the reach of Texas law enforcement.
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