Tensions in Texas reached a boiling point on Sunday after state Attorney General Ken Paxton said Democrat lawmakers who fled the state could face arrest if they don’t return immediately. The statement followed a dramatic announcement that multiple Democrats were leaving the state to prevent a critical vote on new congressional maps scheduled for Monday.
The redistricting plan, which passed out of committee in a 12-6 party-line vote Saturday, would give Republicans three additional safe seats and two more that lean red. With control of the U.S. House potentially hanging in the balance next November, the stakes are high — and the conflict has quickly turned personal.
The Texas House currently has 88 Republicans and 62 Democrats. But under state rules, two-thirds of lawmakers must be present to move forward on votes. If too many Democrats remain out of state, the vote cannot happen. House Speaker Dustin Burrows warned Sunday night that the chamber would convene as planned Monday at 3 p.m. local time, but if a quorum was not present, “all options will be on the table.”
Attorney General Paxton followed up with a clear message: absent lawmakers could be arrested.
“I support the immediate arrest of these rogue lawmakers who’ve fled their duties,” he wrote on X. “This is cowardice and dereliction of duty, and they should face the full force of the law without apology.”
Under Texas law, leaving to avoid a vote is a civil violation. The House can order the sergeant-at-arms and state law enforcement to locate and return missing members — as long as they’re still in Texas. Once lawmakers cross state lines, things get more complicated.
BREAKING NEWS from TX Governor Greg Abbott:
“This truancy ends now. The derelict Democrat House members must return to Texas and be in attendance when the House reconvenes at 3:00 PM on Monday, August 4, 2025. For any member who fails to do so, I will invoke Texas Attorney… pic.twitter.com/lCg1LXSyum
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 4, 2025
BREAKING NEWS from TX Governor Greg Abbott:State Representative Nate Schatzline explained that if members stay away long enough, the governor has the authority to declare their seats vacant under the Texas Election Code. That could lower the quorum threshold and allow the vote to move forward without them.
Some Democrats aren’t hiding where they’re going. Many are reportedly headed to Illinois, where Governor J.B. Pritzker has been in private talks about offering support. Newsmax reports that Pritzker even hosted some of the lawmakers last week in a public show of opposition to the redistricting plan.
They raised the funds and are having their trip orchestrated by out-of-state actors.
Remove them from office and investigate for BRIBERY.
All of this done… pic.twitter.com/JhS8xteYCo
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 4, 2025
Texas Democrats:
“CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL.”
Also, Texas Democrats:
Flee their jobs by chartering a private jet that costs $15,000+ per hour to Illinois. pic.twitter.com/5CyMtgVe2Q
— Christian Collins (@CollinsforTX) August 4, 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in. He suggested California could redraw its own maps in response — even though the state is barred from mid-decade redistricting due to its independent commission system. Texas officials dismissed the suggestion as political theater.
Gavin Newsom is trying to steal five House seats from Republicans so Democrats can flip the House and impeach President Trump.
This is not about Texas. It’s about Newsom’s presidential ambitions.
I will not let it happen. Next week I will be laying out a plan to stop Newsom. pic.twitter.com/2Rc70MxWHO
— steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) August 3, 2025
The showdown isn’t new. Texas Democrats have broken quorum before — in 2003 over redistricting and again in 2021 to block a GOP voting bill. Both times, they returned after several weeks, and the legislation was passed.
But this time, Republican leaders appear determined to respond with legal consequences. Lawmakers who skip town could face fines up to $500 per day, along with censure, budget cuts, or even expulsion. And if enough seats are vacated, it could permanently shift the legislative balance.
Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, defended the move as a matter of principle. “This is not a decision we make lightly,” he said, “but it is one we make with absolute moral clarity.”
The clock is ticking. If a quorum is not met on Monday afternoon, legal options could be used immediately. Whether lawmakers return or dig in their heels out of state, the fight is only just beginning — and the outcome could shape both Texas and national politics for years to come.
