Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a stern warning to House Democrats who fled the state to avoid voting on a contentious redistricting proposal, threatening to expel them from office and arrest them if they do not return by Monday afternoon. The lawmakers, who departed for Chicago to block the vote, have been condemned by Abbott as abandoning their duty to serve the state. He emphasized that their commitment to representing Texans is non-negotiable and that refusal to participate in the legislative process constitutes a violation of their responsibilities. The Texas House requires a quorum of at least 100 members to conduct business, and with 50 Democrats having left, the chamber is likely to be unable to meet its obligations without their return. Abbott has also threatened legal repercussions, including potential felony charges for those soliciting funds to evade penalties under House rules. The redistricting proposal, which could shift political power in favor of Republicans, has sparked intense debate and legal challenges, with Democrats framing it as a racist scheme.
The Democrats’ dramatic departure has been met with both criticism and support. During a news conference in Chicago on Sunday, House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu stated that the lawmakers are not here to play political games but rather to demand an end to the corrupt process. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker echoed this sentiment, calling the Democrats’ actions a