3:35Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Hunt, Texas, July 8, 2025 and Democratic Texas Rep. Gene Wu in Warrenville, Illinois, Aug. 4, 2025.Reuters
The conflict over redistricting in Texas is intensifying as Republican Governor Greg Abbott asserted that he learned the FBI will be searching for Texas House Democrats who left the state in opposition to the proposed new congressional districts.
During a Wednesday appearance on conservative radio host Dana Loesch’s online program, Abbott stated, "Those who are outside the state believe they can evade Texas law enforcement, but they may be mistaken. However, when they return, they won’t be heading to their comfortable homes; they will be detained and brought to the Capitol."
"But understand this," Abbott added, "I have been informed that the FBI will seek out these negligent Texas House members, regardless of the state they may be in, and assist in identifying them – and possibly collaborate with us to return them."
ABC News has contacted the FBI for a statement.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Hunt, Texas, July 8, 2025 and Democratic Texas Rep. Gene Wu in Warrenville, Illinois, Aug. 4, 2025.Reuters
Earlier that day, Abbott urged the state Supreme Court to oust state Rep. Gene Wu, who is the chair of the Texas House Democratic caucus.
Abbott contended that Wu has "forfeited" his position by leaving the state with fellow Democratic lawmakers to obstruct the quorum required for the Texas House to vote on implementing the new GOP-proposed congressional map, which could affect Republican dominance in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Wu accused Abbott of "stifling my dissent" and asserted that he remains steadfast in opposing the Republican-led redistricting initiative.
"Let me be clear about my actions and responsibilities. When a governor collaborates with a disgraced president to push through a racially biased gerrymandered map, my constitutional obligation is to refuse to be a willing participant," Wu declared in a statement.
Abbott requested a decision from the Texas Supreme Court by Thursday evening, before Texas Republicans make another attempt to convene the legislature on Friday to establish a quorum.
The Texas Supreme Court on Wednesday instructed state Rep. Wu to submit a response by Friday at 5 p.m. CT regarding Abbott’s request for his removal.
Texas Republicans experienced a second failure on Tuesday to advance the redistricting plan, which is supported by President Donald Trump, who has asserted that the GOP is "entitled" to five additional U.S. House seats in the state.
This confrontation has national ramifications, with control of the U.S. House potentially at stake. Democrats would need to gain just three seats in the upcoming midterm elections to reclaim the House.
Texas Democrats are expected to continue voicing their opposition to the redistricting effort nationwide on Wednesday. Texas Democrats held a press conference in Massachusetts.
"There are over 50 Democrats currently positioned throughout the country, advocating for your rights — not just those in Texas, but for the American populace. We are all aware. We are all aware that the misconduct within the White House is rampant, and we are striving to halt that misconduct," Texas state Rep. Armando Walle informed reporters.
Texas Democrats were also anticipated to hold a press conference in the vicinity of Chicago, but Texas House Democrats and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reported that threats had been made against the group of lawmakers remaining in the state to thwart a quorum in the Texas special session. Pritzker posted on X that the threats will be investigated and that he has been in contact with state police. Local law enforcement later reported a bomb threat that led to the evacuation of a hotel, but no explosive device was found.
"This morning, a threat was issued against the safety of the members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus. We are safe, we are secure, and we remain resolute. We are thankful to
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
