“BY 3 P.M.” – Texas Democrats Flee to Block Vote, Now Face Arrest Threats
A political showdown is intensifying in Texas as Republican lawmakers push forward with a controversial redistricting plan—while Democratic legislators flee the state to block the vote.
In a dramatic protest, over 50 Democratic state representatives left Texas this weekend, heading to Chicago in an effort to deny the GOP-controlled House the quorum needed to proceed with the redistricting session. But now, they may face serious consequences for their absence.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a stern warning: return by 3 p.m. Monday or face possible arrest and removal from office.
“These absences are not the result of illness or emergency,” Abbott said Monday morning. “They are premeditated political stunts aimed at obstructing the legislative process.”
Abbott invoked Texas Attorney General Opinion No. KP-0382, which allows for the expulsion of lawmakers who “abandon” their official duties. He also raised the possibility of felony bribery charges, claiming that Democratic lawmakers have been soliciting donations to cover fines imposed by House rules.
“Raising funds to deliberately avoid a legislative vote could amount to bribery,” Abbott said. “And I will use my full extradition authority to return any out-of-state felons back to Texas.”
Rep. Sheryl Cole, a Democrat representing House District 46, posted a photo Sunday showing herself boarding a flight. Her caption: “Headed to Chicago to stop this rigged redistricting process.”
Democrats argue that the new district maps would unfairly benefit Republicans, possibly flipping five additional congressional seats in the next election. Their walkout, they say, is a last resort to halt what they call a “racially biased power grab.”
According to the Washington Times, the lawmakers plan to remain outside Texas until the special legislative session ends in two weeks — or until Republicans abandon the proposed maps.
The Texas House is scheduled to reconvene at 3 p.m. Monday. Whether law enforcement will actually be dispatched to retrieve the missing Democrats remains to be seen — but Abbott has made one thing clear:
The clock is ticking.