Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, announced Thursday that the FBI has agreed to assist Texas law enforcement in locating Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to stall a GOP redistricting vote. Cornyn emphasized that the lawmakers’ actions constituted a ‘shameful attempt to thwart the legislative process,’ and he credited Director Kash Patel for approving the request to aid in their apprehension. The move marks a significant step in Texas’s ongoing efforts to hold the fleeing lawmakers accountable for their alleged breach of constitutional duties.
Cornyn’s request to the FBI followed a letter he sent to Director Kash Patel on Tuesday, detailing the lawmakers’ alleged violations of their oaths of office. The letter also cited concerns that legislators who received funding to avoid their duties may be guilty of bribery or public corruption. Cornyn argued that federal resources are essential, stating that the FBI has tools to aid state law enforcement when parties cross state lines. He stressed that the legislators’ actions could constitute criminal offenses, necessitating a full investigation and accountability.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has convened a special session to advance a congressional redistricting plan, which could potentially add five new Republican-leaning seats in the House before the upcoming midterms. Abbott has also filed an emergency petition with the state Supreme Court to remove State Rep. Gene Wu, labeling him the ‘ringleader of the derelict Democrats who fled the state to break quorum.’ Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in Texas have voted to issue civil arrest warrants and impose $500 daily fines on Democratic colleagues who abandoned their duties.
Democratic governors, including J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Gavin Newsom of California, and Kathy Hochul of New York, have offered sanctuary to the fleeing lawmakers, portraying the gridlock as a fight to preserve democratic processes. Cornyn’s request to the FBI highlights the broader political and legal implications of the lawmakers’ actions, with Cornyn asserting that the lawmakers may have committed potential criminal acts in their effort to avoid legislative responsibilities.
President Donald Trump, who has been a vocal advocate for GOP control of the House, is pushing Republican states to explore mid-cycle redistricting options. The FBI’s involvement in this matter underscores the high stakes of the redistricting battle, as both sides argue over the legitimacy of the legislative process and the role of state and federal authorities in ensuring accountability.