In August 2025, over 50 Texas Democratic lawmakers fled the state to block a Republican-led redistricting plan that would create five new GOP-leaning U.S. House seats. The plan, backed by President Donald Trump, aims to secure Republican control of Congress in the 2026 midterms. By leaving Texas, primarily for Illinois, these Democrats denied the state House the quorum needed to vote, halting the process. This dramatic move has escalated tensions, with Texas Republicans issuing arrest warrants and threatening to remove the absent lawmakers from office.
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Republican Response Intensifies
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered Texas Rangers to locate and arrest the fleeing Democrats, though the warrants are symbolic outside state lines. He accused them of abandoning their duties and suggested they could face bribery charges for raising funds to cover fines. The cost of the flight was $15,000 per hour, paid for by sponsors and donors. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called the Democrats “cowards” and vowed to “hunt them down” to ensure the redistricting vote proceeds.
Democrats’ Maneuver
The Democrats’ absence prevents the Texas House from conducting business, as it requires two-thirds of its 150 members present. They argue the redistricting is a power grab to favor Republicans and plan to stay away for two weeks until the special legislative session ends. This tactic mirrors past quorum breaks in 2003 and 2021, which delayed but did not stop Republican legislation.
