A large group of Texas House Democrats who fled the state to avoid a redistricting vote they say would significantly tilt the scales in favor of the Republican Party, now face expulsion from their offices — or jail time.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement warning Democrats who fled the state to deny a quorum for his redistricting push that they have until precisely 3 p.m. Monday to return to their House duties or face removal from office — or felony charges.
Abbott, in his statement, cites a 2021 Attorney General opinion (KP-0382) that could let him petition a court to declare their seats vacant. On top of that, he’s dangling the sword of felony charges, alleging their fundraising to cover $500-a-day fines might violate bribery laws.
“Real Texans do not run from a fight,” Abbott wrote.
“But that’s exactly what most of the Texas House Democrats just did.”
“Rather than doing their job and voting on urgent legislation affecting the lives of all Texans, they have fled Texas to deprive the House of the quorum necessary to meet and conduct business.”
Abbott’s statement outlined the legal consequences that House Democrat members face for breaking quorum, including the potential loss of their seats and felony violations.
Abbott explaned that the Texas state constitution allows for such actions – including tracking down and arresting House members.
“This truancy ends now,” he declared.
🚨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
The Texas House is set to reconvene at 3 p.m. on Monday and Abbott said the “derelict Democrat House members must return” by then or face being removed from their positions by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
According to Fox News, the Republican AG has already stated that the lawmakers “should be found and arrested no matter where they go.”
In response to Abbott’s statement, the Texas House Democratic Caucus issued a simple response, writing: “Come and take it.”
The statement also described Republicans’ proposed districts, which would potentially secure five new GOP U.S. House seats in next year’s midterm elections, as a “racist mid-decade redistricting scheme.”
The proposal’s current design, which is not final, would tilt traditionally blue cities like Dallas and Houston in favor of Republicans.
The move would also have national ramifications as it could potentially move Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett out of her own district, according to a previous Fox News report.
During a news conference in Chicago late Sunday, House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu said the lawmakers are “not here to play political games. We’re here to demand an end to this corrupt process.”
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker shared his support for the Texas Democrats during the news conference, describing their departure as a “righteous act of courage,” while claiming Republicans want to silence “millions of voices, especially Black and Latino voters.”
“Texas Democrats were left with no choice but to leave their home state, block a vote from taking place and protect their constituents,” Pritzker said.
The lawmakers have not stated a potential timeline for returning to Texas — despite the threat of expulsion or jail time.
This is an on-going story. Check back for futher updates.