Texas Gov. Abbott Threatens To Remove Dem Lawmakers Who Fled the State From Office

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott is threatening to arrest and remove Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a redistricting vote. With the Texas House set to reconvene, Abbott is drawing a hard line—and he’s not bluffing.

Key Facts:

  • Over 50 Texas House Democrats left the state for Chicago to prevent a quorum on a redistricting vote.
  • Governor Greg Abbott warned they must return by 3 p.m. Monday or face arrest and possible expulsion.
  • Abbott cited the Texas Constitution, which allows him to fill vacancies if lawmakers are removed for abandonment.
  • The redistricting plan could give Republicans five more U.S. House seats and shift urban districts in their favor.
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker praised the Democrats’ move, calling it an act of “courage.”

The Rest of The Story:

More than 50 Democratic lawmakers from the Texas House left for Chicago on Sunday night, aiming to block a vote on a Republican-backed redistricting plan.

Their exit left the chamber without the 100-member quorum needed to conduct business.

Governor Greg Abbott responded swiftly, issuing a firm statement Monday morning demanding their return.

“Real Texans don’t run from a fight,” Abbott declared. “Rather than doing their job and voting on urgent legislation affecting the lives of all Texans, they have fled Texas.”

The proposed redistricting would likely shift five additional U.S. House seats into Republican control and potentially displace current Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

Democrats labeled the effort a “racist mid-decade redistricting scheme.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton backed Abbott, stating the lawmakers should be arrested wherever they are found.

Abbott also warned that anyone donating to help lawmakers avoid penalties could face felony bribery charges.

During a Chicago press conference, Democratic Rep. Gene Wu claimed, “We’re not here to play political games. We’re here to demand an end to this corrupt process.”

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker defended their actions, stating Republicans aim to “silence millions of voices, especially Black and Latino voters.”

Commentary:

The Texas Democrats’ dramatic escape isn’t a noble stand—it’s legislative cowardice.

Elected officials have one core responsibility: show up and vote. If they don’t like the legislation, they should voice opposition on the record—not flee to another state and grind government to a halt.

Governor Abbott is right to draw a firm line. Texans expect their lawmakers to represent them in the chamber, not in hotel ballrooms 1,000 miles away.

If these lawmakers believe their redistricting concerns are valid, they should debate and vote like professionals—not abandon their posts.

Abbott’s threat to use the Texas Constitution to expel the absentees and fill their seats isn’t extreme—it’s accountability.

When public servants walk out on their duty, the system has to act. This isn’t about politics. It’s about responsibility and representation.

Paxton’s stance is also warranted. Lawmakers can’t break the rules, dodge consequences, and then fundraise off their obstruction.

That’s not civic protest—it’s political theater and legal brinkmanship. And if Democrats think the public is behind them, they should welcome the chance to vote, not avoid it.

Skipping town to dodge a loss isn’t heroic—it’s a stunt. Voters may remember that next election cycle.

If this behavior continues, Abbott should act decisively. Remove those who abandoned office. Replace them with officials who will do the job.

Texas deserves better than a government held hostage by its own members. Abbott isn’t bluffing, and he shouldn’t be.

Texas needs leaders who show up when it counts.

The Bottom Line:

Texas Democrats have left the state in an attempt to derail a redistricting vote they oppose.

Governor Abbott has issued a clear ultimatum: return and vote or face arrest, removal, and replacement.

In public service, refusing to do the job isn’t an option—it’s grounds for expulsion.

The clock is ticking.

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