FBI Urged to Investigate Texas Democrats Who Fled to Stall Redistricting Vote
U.S. Senator John Cornyn has called upon the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate a group of Texas House Democrats who left the state to evade legislative responsibilities, citing potential criminal activities including bribery. Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, issued a formal letter to FBI Director Kash Patel requesting assistance in locating and arresting lawmakers who allegedly abandoned their duties during an important legislative session. The lawmakers were reportedly absent to avoid a vote on redistricting, a key issue in the state’s political agenda.
In his letter, dated Tuesday, Cornyn expressed frustration with the lawmakers’ decision to flee, stating, “In a representative democracy, we resolve our differences by debating and voting, not by running away”. He noted that the absence of the legislators had left the Texas House of Representatives without a quorum, halting the legislative process. Cornyn also warned that the absence of these lawmakers could delay critical decisions, such as addressing the aftermath of the recent Kerrville floods, which have caused significant damage and hardship for residents.
The situation has drawn attention from other state officials, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declaring that the missing legislators have effectively abandoned their posts. In a statement shared on social media, Paxton emphasized that the absence of these lawmakers constitutes a dereliction of duty, stating, “The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you don’t show up to work, you get fired.” The legal consequences for the lawmakers remain uncertain, but the state is reportedly preparing to take action if the legislators fail to return.
Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has faced criticism for hosting some of the absent lawmakers, as she has defended their actions as legal. In an op-ed published by the Houston Chronicle, Hochul claimed the lawmakers were following a legitimate procedure, quoting civil rights leader John Lewis, who once said, “Sometimes you have to get into good trouble.” However, the decision to host the lawmakers has been seen by many as a political move rather than a genuine attempt to resolve the issue.
The controversy has also sparked a legislative response, with U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., announcing plans to introduce a bill that would restrict future state-led redistricting efforts unless required by a court to comply with constitutional or Voting Rights Act mandates. Kiley criticized Governor Gavin Newsom of California for attempting to override the will of voters and implement a hyper-partisan gerrymander. The proposed legislation could have far-reaching implications for redistricting processes across the U.S., potentially affecting future congressional maps and the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
As tensions continue to rise, Cornyn’s request for a federal investigation has raised questions about the extent of the legal and political consequences for the fleeing lawmakers. The FBI has not yet commented on the matter, and the fate of the missing legislators remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the broader implications of the incident have sparked a national conversation about legislative accountability, the role of state legislatures, and the boundaries of political protest.