Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) has ordered the arrest of Democrats who left the state, claiming it was an attempt to block a new congressional map that may favor Republicans next year.
“Texas House Democrats have abandoned their responsibilities to Texans,” Abbott stated. “By leaving the state, they are impeding critical laws aimed at helping flood victims and advancing property tax relief.”
Speaker Dustin Burrows has reportedly issued a warrant for the return of these members to the Chamber of Commerce, and Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to assist in ensuring compliance.
This move comes amid rising tensions over the GOP’s controversial effort to implement a partisan redistricting plan, which could potentially add five congressional seats for Texas Republicans.
Abbott’s comments followed Burrows’ issuance of an arrest warrant that state troopers can enforce. Notably, neither Abbott nor Burrows referenced the districts that Democrats claim are an overt power grab.
During remarks on Monday, Rep. Jolanda Jones expressed concerns, noting that similar redistricting efforts in North Carolina have gone unchallenged.
Instead of defending their district changes, Republican leaders opted to criticize the Democrats for not addressing other pressing issues.
The redistricting campaign has become a contentious topic among state Republicans, with Abbott framing the Democrats’ exit as a failure to fulfill their duties.
In a statement after signing the arrest warrant, Burrows chose to focus on issues like human trafficking laws, flood relief, and the elimination of STAAR standardized testing, sidestepping the redistricting controversy.
Abbott mentioned that the Public Safety Agency would work to establish a quorum and ensure the special session proceeds. He remarked that one member had claimed they would be fundraising in Austin soon, and he instructed DPS to ensure they attend.
Additionally, Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), who is competing in the Senate primary, described the Democrats’ actions as “a runaway situation” and emphasized the importance of rapid arrests and facing the law for those who abandon their responsibilities.
In 2021, Paxton noted a Supreme Court ruling that allows lawmakers (specifically Democrats) to be arrested if they disrupt the quorum.
