A Texas Democrat who recently left the state with over 50 others to prevent Republicans from advancing their agenda spoke about facing potential fines and the threat of arrest. “I’m willing to pay the price for America,” stated Texas Rep. Ramon Romero Jr. (D) at a press conference in Illinois, where he serves as chairman of the Mexican-American Legislative Caucus.
Romero remarked, “Some say we’ve left, but I think everyone will agree that we’re standing up. As Texans like to say, we’re standing tall.” He added that various individuals have warned them of possible arrests or fines, insisting he’s committed to taking a stand.
The Texas Democrats were at a press event alongside Illinois’ Governor Juliana Stratton and other state leaders. They traveled to Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts—all blue states where they have faced criticism for gerrymandered maps in the past.
Meanwhile, President Trump is encouraging Republicans to redraw Texas’s House map to create five new opportunities ahead of the 2026 midterms. The current map already favors Republicans, but the new changes could enhance their advantages even further.
Recently, a Texas House panel advanced a new map, but lawmakers haven’t been able to vote on it due to the Democrats’ absence from the state.
With the Democrats breaking quorum, each of them faces a daily fine of $500 and the risk of arrest. Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) and Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) have called for the Democrats’ arrest, while Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) has reached out to the FBI for assistance in bringing back the fleeing lawmakers.
The Texas Democrats may be trying to outlast the special session called by Abbott, but it’s still uncertain how long they plan to remain out of state.
In the meantime, Democrats believe that if Republicans are willing to undertake drastic measures to gain seats in the upcoming elections, they too should pursue legal action to level the playing field.
“In Illinois, we’re not simply sitting back. We won’t take threats lightly. We’re prepared to fight back,” Stratton emphasized. “If Trump and Texas Republicans don’t adhere to the rules, we will explore all options to combat extreme power grabs.”
