Texas Governor Threatens To Expel Democrats Who Fled State To Avoid Vote

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to remove Democratic lawmakers from office after they left the state to block a vote on new congressional maps. The Democrats' departure on Sunday (August 3) aimed to prevent a quorum in the Texas House, halting legislative activity during a special session. The proposed maps, backed by President Donald Trump, would add five Republican-leaning seats before the 2026 midterms.

Governor Abbott, citing a 2021 legal opinion from Attorney General Ken Paxton, warned that absent lawmakers could be removed for abandoning their duties. Abbott stated, "This truancy ends now," and demanded Democrats return by Monday afternoon (August 4). He also suggested that fundraising to pay fines for missing sessions could result in felony charges.

The Democrats, who fled to states like Illinois and New York, argue the maps represent gerrymandering and a partisan attack on minority voters. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has pledged support for the Texas Democrats, stating, "We’re going to do everything we can to protect every single one of them."

The absence of Democrats has delayed votes on crucial issues, including flood relief following recent catastrophic floods in Texas. Despite the standoff, the Republican-led House plans to meet as scheduled, with Speaker Dustin Burrows indicating all options are on the table if a quorum is not met.