A Texas Democrat, who left the state due to a Republican plan related to the new state capitol, expressed concern that the current rhetoric from the right could endanger state lawmakers.
“It’s really scary, the kind of talk coming from my colleagues, the governor, the attorney general, and even the president. It puts a dangerous target on us,” said Democrat Rep. Mary Gonzalez during a call with reporters.
“Words have consequences. When you start saying things like ‘hunt them down,’ that creates a certain atmosphere. What do people think will happen?”
Recently, over 50 Texas Democrats disrupted a quorum, which prevented the legislature from advancing a rezoning proposal backed by President Trump. Democrats are mobilizing in other blue states, like Illinois and New York, as they navigate an ongoing 30-day special session in Texas.
In response, Republican Sen. John Cornyn announced that the FBI has agreed to assist law enforcement in locating and apprehending the absent quorum Democrats.
Governor Greg Abbott stated that the FBI is “tracking down a derelict Democrat” being taken back to the Texas Capitol.
Attorney General Ken Paxton emphasized that “we need to use every tool we have to deal with those who believe they are above the law.”
The Democrats involved risk fines of $500 per day, along with potential removal and threats of bribery charges from Abbott.
“Fifty diverse individuals from various regions of the state are asserting they need to earn a living—those fines are serious. We’re putting our families at risk by jeopardizing our positions, health, and safety,” Gonzalez remarked, reflecting on her discussions with fellow Texas Democrats.
Democrat state Sen. Molly Cook also voiced concerns about the future, saying, “We’re going to waste a lot of time battling against racially motivated gerrymandering, allowing politicians to pick their voters instead of the other way around.”
