Democrats Leave State to Block Redistricting Vote

On Sunday, over two dozen Texas House Democrats flew to Chicago to block a quorum and stall GOP-led redistricting efforts. Their absence denied the Texas House the minimum 100-member presence needed to vote.

By Monday morning, Governor Greg Abbott responded swiftly and sharply.

Governor Issues Ultimatum

Abbott warned that any Democratic lawmakers who fail to return by 3:00 PM on Monday, August 4, 2025, risk expulsion from office. He cited Attorney General Opinion No. KP-0382 as legal grounds to remove absent members.

“These lawmakers have a duty to vote. Their absence isn’t just irresponsible—it’s a dereliction of duty,” Abbott said.

Bribery Charges on the Table

Abbott also raised the possibility of felony charges, accusing some lawmakers of potentially vi*lating bribery laws if they accepted financial support to cover fines.

“They could face second-degree felony charges for bribery,” he stated. “Anyone offering or agreeing to pay these fines could also be criminally liable.”

He promised to use full extradition powers to return any out-of-state violators.

WATCH:

Gov. Greg Abbott on House Dems who fled Texas to deny Republicans a quorum on redistricting:

"I think they face a possibility of facing bribery charges, which is a second degree felony in Texas"pic.twitter.com/Jbiw4udeF2

— Martin Walsh (@martinwalsh__) August 4, 2025

Democrats Fire Back

The Texas House Democratic Caucus responded bluntly to Abbott’s threats:

“Come and take it.”

They also criticized the redistricting plan, calling it a “r*cist mid-decade scheme” that could give Republicans five more seats in the next election.

Republicans Dig In

Abbott doubled down, saying real Texans don’t “flee from a battle.”

“Instead of doing their jobs, these lawmakers ran. That’s unacceptable,” he said.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton echoed the governor’s stance, stating that all missing members should be “found and a**ested.”

What’s Next?

The Texas House plans to reconvene at 3 PM. If the missing Democrats do not return, Abbott said their seats may be declared vacant and quickly filled, as allowed under Article III, Section 13 of the state constitution.

In addition to removal, lawmakers face further legal trouble if they are found soliciting funds to cover House-imposed penalties, which Abbott warned could also qualify as felonies.