2:29The State Capitol is seen on July 21, 2025 in Austin, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty Images
On Monday, Texas House Republicans passed a measure with a vote of 85-6, empowering the House sergeant-at-arms and other related officials to locate and civilly arrest Democrats who have left the state in opposition to GOP redistricting initiatives.
"The sergeant-at-arms and any designated officers are instructed to seek out all absentees whose attendance has not been excused for the purpose of ensuring and maintaining their presence under arrest warrant if required, until further notice from the House," stated Republican Rep. Dustin Burrows, the Texas House Speaker.
Shortly after the vote, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott announced that he had instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate and apprehend the Democrats who had departed the state, an order that will stay in effect until they are "accounted for and returned" to Austin.
However, the warrants lack jurisdiction outside state borders, and it remains uncertain to what extent, if any, Texas law enforcement may coordinate with their counterparts in the respective states.
Later on Monday, Abbott mentioned he had requested the Texas Rangers to investigate the Democrats who departed the state for possible legal infractions — including bribery for soliciting funds to support their cause.
"Reports suggest that numerous absentee Texas House Democrats have solicited or received funds to avoid fulfilling legislative duties and casting votes. According to the Texas Penal Code, any of those Democrats who solicit, accept, or agree to accept such funds to aid in the violation of legislative responsibilities or to evade a vote may have breached bribery statutes. Furthermore, it could constitute a bribery violation for any individual who offers, provides, or agrees to provide such funds to the fleeing Democrat House members," the governor said in a statement.
This action follows a confrontation over a Republican-led initiative, supported by President Donald Trump, aimed at establishing a new congressional map where control of the U.S. House could potentially be at risk.
Abbott had set a deadline of 3 p.m. local time on Monday for Texas House Democrats to return to the statehouse for the special session, warning that they risk losing their positions. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton suggested that the Democrats who left should be arrested and forcibly brought back, though he later acknowledged that would present a "challenge."
Paxton stated in a statement late Monday afternoon that he is "prepared to do everything in my power" to hold the Democrats accountable for neglecting their responsibilities in the House and for having "sacrificed their constituents for a publicity stunt."
The Texas House Democratic Caucus responded to Abbott’s threat with, "Come and take it."
Texas House members who left the state were scheduled to conduct various events throughout the day on Monday in Democrat-led states.
The proposed congressional map could potentially create up to five additional Republican seats, aiding the party in maintaining control of the House in the 2026 midterm elections. Consideration of the bill was set for Monday but could not advance due to the absence of Democrats, which led to a lack of quorum.
The State Capitol is seen on July 21, 2025 in Austin, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Democrats hold events in New York, Massachusetts and Illinois
The first press conference featuring Texas Democrats on Monday took place with New York Governor Kathy Hochul in Albany. Hochul’s message for Texas House Democrats was, "You are on the right side of history. And you're not alone."
"As I mentioned, history will evaluate how we respond to this moment. But here in New York, we will not remain on the sidelines with those who are hesitant and uninterested in investing their heart and soul into this struggle. This is a war," Hochul continued. "We are in a war, and that’s why we are taking off the gloves. And I say, bring it on."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
