Cornyn Urges FBI to Help Locate, Arrest Texas Democrats Who Fled Redistricting Vote
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) intensified Republican efforts against Democratic state lawmakers on Tuesday, formally asking the FBI to assist Gov. Greg Abbott in locating and potentially arresting Texas Democrats who fled the state to block a contentious redistricting vote.
In a letter addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel, Cornyn referred to the absent lawmakers as “potential lawbreakers” for denying Republicans a quorum in the Texas House on Monday. The Democrats left the state to prevent a vote on a redrawn congressional map seen as critical to GOP midterm gains.
“In a representative democracy, we resolve our differences through debate and voting—not by fleeing our responsibilities,” Cornyn wrote. “These legislators may have committed criminal acts by abandoning their constitutional duties, and they must be thoroughly investigated and held accountable.”
Although the Texas House has issued civil arrest warrants for the missing Democrats, state troopers cannot legally apprehend them outside Texas. Cornyn’s appeal to the FBI is an attempt to bypass that limitation.
“The FBI has the ability to assist state law enforcement when individuals cross state lines to avoid legal obligations or investigations,” Cornyn added.
He also raised concerns that lawmakers who accepted financial assistance to support their departure could be in violation of bribery or public corruption laws—seemingly referencing Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s vocal support of the Texas Democrats.
While the FBI has declined to comment on Cornyn’s request, former President Donald Trump backed the move when asked during a press conference.
“Well, they may have to,” Trump said. “A lot of people want them back. You can’t just refuse to show up.”
The Democratic lawmakers coordinated their exit to prevent Republicans from passing the redistricting plan, which could result in the creation of up to five additional GOP-leaning congressional seats in Texas ahead of the 2026 midterm elections—something Trump has openly endorsed.
“We have a real chance to gain five seats in Texas,” Trump said Tuesday during a CNBC interview. “We have a great governor, great people, and I got more votes than anyone in Texas history. We’re entitled to those seats.”
This isn’t the first time Texas Democrats have left the state in protest. In 2021, they staged a similar walkout, staying away for 38 days to oppose Republican-backed voting restrictions.