Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to jail and expel Texas House Democrats who fled the state to avoid a redistricting vote unless they return by Monday afternoon. Dozens of Texas Democratic representatives traveled to Chicago Sunday night to block the vote. In response to Abbott\u2019s threats, the Texas House Democratic Caucus defiantly replied, \u201cCome and take it,\u201d condemning the Republicans\u2019 proposed map as a \u201cracist mid-decade redistricting scheme\u201d likely to add five GOP seats in next year\u2019s midterms.<\/p>\n
Abbott sharply criticized the Democrats\u2019 departure, stating, \u201cReal Texans don\u2019t flee from a battle,\u201d and accused them of shirking their duty by leaving and denying the House quorum needed to conduct business. The Texas House requires at least 100 of 150 members present to operate, but about 50 Democrats have left. Abbott emphasized that voting is mandatory, not optional, and warned that absent Democrats face removal by Attorney General Ken Paxton if they do not return by the 3 p.m. Monday reconvening.<\/p>\n
Paxton has called for the lawmakers to be found and arrested regardless of where they go. Abbott added that legislators who \u201cforfeit office due to abandonment\u201d can be removed under the Texas Constitution, allowing the governor to swiftly fill the vacancies. He also warned that soliciting or accepting funds to evade fines imposed for absence may constitute a felony under Texas bribery laws. Abbott vowed to use full extradition authority to bring back any out-of-state fugitives.<\/p>\n
The proposed redistricting plan would disadvantage Democrats in key cities like Dallas and Houston, even relocating Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett out of her district. At a Chicago news conference, House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu said lawmakers came \u201cto put a stop to this rotten system.\u201d Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker praised the Texas Democrats\u2019 actions as a \u201crighteous act of courage,\u201d accusing Republicans of trying to suppress Black and Latino voters.<\/p>\n
Tensions remain high in Texas, with a recent public hearing on the map drawing no support. The event ended dramatically when congressional candidate Isaiah Martin was forcibly removed for exceeding his speaking time, shouting, \u201cHistory will not remember you for what you have done!\u201d<\/p>\n