Sen. Cornyn Requests FBI Assistance for Texas House Democrats’ Arrest

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to collaborate with Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) and local law enforcement. The aim? To locate and apprehend Texas House Democrats who obstructed voting on the Congressional District Redrawing Act.

In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Cornyn expressed his desire for the FBI to, as he put it, “encourage” actions that would assist Texas law enforcement in tracking down House Democrats who left the state. He emphasized that these lawmakers fled as a strategy to avoid the legislative quorum necessary for voting. Cornyn is looking for the FBI’s backing in these efforts.

Previous reports indicated that several Texas House Democrats had crossed state lines to Illinois to disrupt the quorum required for a redistricting vote.

In his correspondence, Cornyn noted, “On August 3, 2025, many Texas representatives intentionally left the state as part of a strategy to evade legislative responsibilities. Their stated intention was to hinder Congress from functioning properly, which violates their oaths. By abandoning Texas, these lawmakers sought to create a lack of quorum in the Texas House, thus stalling all legislative actions.”

He further remarked, “In a functioning democracy, we settle disagreements through dialogue and voting, not by fleeing.” Cornyn pointed out that while some lawmakers went to New York, others opted for Illinois. Given that these legislators are now outside Texas, he suggested that the Texas Department of Public Safety might need additional federal resources to carry out arrests.

He also added, “Out-of-state supporters have publicly defended Texas legislators currently evading accountability by hiding outside the state. We require FBI support because federal resources are necessary to locate Texas legislators who may be violating the law while avoiding their responsibilities.” Cornyn highlighted that the FBI has the capability to assist state law enforcement in cases where parties evade hold-up with testimony or escape from potential public corruption investigations.

Previously, Abbott had issued an order for the arrest of a Texas House Democrat who did not comply with a directive to return to the Capitol. He stated that the House Democrats essentially “waived their obligations to Texas residents.”

“The Texas House Democrats have abandoned their duties to Texans,” Gov. Abbott remarked. “Their exodus from the state effectively holds critical legislation hostage, affecting both flood relief efforts and property tax relief. This choice will have significant repercussions.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that he is pursuing a judicial order to declare that Democrats who failed to show up by the set deadline have vacated their positions. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows had given the Democrats a deadline of Friday, August 8th, to return to Texas and present themselves before the House.