From The Hill: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Monday ordered the arrest of the Democrats who fled the Lone Star State in an effort to halt the advancement of new congressional maps that could benefit Republicans in next year’s midterms.
Democrats’ refusal to show up was part of a rapidly escalating political contest over a controversial attempt by the state GOP to pass a highly unusual mid-decade partisan redistricting plan aimed at giving Texas Republicans five additional seats in Congress — while destroying several Democratic districts.
“Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans,” Abbott said in a statement. “By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty.
“Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber.
“To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans.
“This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol.”
House Speaker Dustin Burrows signed an arrest warrant for any Democratic members that state troopers can locate, The Hill reports.
Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty and are holding flood relief and property tax cuts hostage.
I ordered Texas DPS to arrest and return every derelict House Democrat to the Texas Capitol.
This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrats are accounted for. pic.twitter.com/A87u2JxYU7
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 4, 2025
BREAKING.
More coming later today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wSY14APU96
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 4, 2025
READ MORE AT THE HILL
