Republican Governor Greg Abbott sharply condemned Texas House Democrats on Monday morning for fleeing the state to deny Republicans a quorum needed for redistricting votes. Abbott threatened to remove absent Democrats from office and pursue felony charges against them.

On Sunday, about two dozen Texas Democrats flew to Chicago to block the Republican-led legislature’s attempt to pass a new congressional map that could add five GOP seats. Abbott demanded their return by 3 p.m. Monday, August 4, 2025, warning, “The derelict Democrat House members must return… For any member who fails to do so, I will invoke Texas Attorney General Opinion No. KP-0382 to remove the missing Democrats from membership.”

Abbott also raised the possibility of criminal charges for Democrats who solicited or accepted funds to cover daily \$500 fines they face for absence. He stated such actions may violate Texas bribery laws, which carry second-degree felony penalties. Abbott pledged to use extradition powers to bring any out-of-state lawmakers back for prosecution.

The Texas House Democratic Caucus responded defiantly with “Come and take it,” labeling the Republican redistricting plan a “racist mid-decade redistricting scheme.” Abbott criticized Democrats for fleeing instead of fulfilling their duties, saying, “Real Texans don’t flee from a battle.” With roughly 50 Democrats absent, the House lacks the 100 members needed for a quorum, effectively halting legislative business.

The governor emphasized voting is a mandatory duty, and absent lawmakers face removal under the Texas Constitution, creating vacancies he can swiftly fill. The standoff underscores the heated battle over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms.