Texas Gov. Abbott Warns of Expulsion and Legal Action Against House Democrats Who Left State

Writing Time: August 04, 2025, 16:00 (U.S. Central Time)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a strong ultimatum to Democratic state lawmakers who fled the state to block a controversial redistricting vote. Abbott said the absent representatives must return by Monday at 3 p.m. or face removal from office, arrest, and potential criminal charges under state law.

The political standoff stems from a walkout by dozens of Democratic legislators who traveled to Chicago in an attempt to deny the Texas House the quorum needed to conduct business. In response, Abbott condemned their actions as unconstitutional and accused them of neglecting their legislative duties.

Democrats Leave Texas to Block GOP Redistricting Plan

Late Sunday evening, more than 50 Texas House Democrats arrived in Chicago, temporarily halting the legislative session. Their absence left the Republican-led House short of the 100-member quorum required to vote on proposed new congressional district maps.

The redistricting plan in question could significantly reshape Texas’ political map by potentially adding up to five Republican-held congressional seats. Critics, including the Democratic caucus, have labeled the proposal a “racist mid-decade redistricting scheme” that aims to dilute the voting power of communities of color, especially in urban areas such as Dallas and Houston.

In a brief statement following their arrival in Chicago, the Texas House Democratic Caucus issued a pointed response to Abbott’s demands: “Come and take it.”

Abbott Responds: “Real Texans Don’t Run from a Fight”

Gov. Abbott reacted swiftly, denouncing the lawmakers’ departure and accusing them of deliberately sabotaging the legislative process.

“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 wrote in an official statement. “Real Texans don’t run from a fight.”

Abbott emphasized that voting on legislation is a constitutional responsibility, not a choice, for elected lawmakers. He said that failing to fulfill this obligation amounts to abandoning their official duties.

Legal Consequences: Arrest, Expulsion, and Felony Threats

In his statement, Abbott said the Democrats must return by the House’s scheduled reconvening at 3:00 p.m. Monday. If they do not, he warned that they could be removed from office by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Under Article III, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution, a legislator who is determined to have “forfeited his or her office due to abandonment” may be removed, creating a vacancy that the governor can fill.

Attorney General Paxton has echoed Abbott’s stance, stating that absent lawmakers “should be found and arrested no matter where they go.” The use of law enforcement to compel lawmakers to return for a vote is permitted under Texas House rules when a quorum is not met.

Additionally, Abbott warned that fundraising efforts aimed at helping the legislators avoid fines or penalties may also lead to criminal prosecution. He cited Texas bribery statutes, saying:

“Any Democrat who solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept such funds to assist in the violation of legislative duties or for purposes of skipping a vote may have violated bribery laws,” Abbott wrote. He also noted that anyone who “offers, confers, or agrees to confer” money to lawmakers could face similar charges.

The governor concluded his statement by asserting he would use “full extradition authority” to bring any lawmaker who faces charges back to Texas.

Redistricting Controversy: Potential Impact on Future Elections

At the center of the political impasse is the proposed redrawing of congressional district boundaries. The current draft of the GOP-backed redistricting map would favor Republican candidates in upcoming elections, especially in formerly Democratic-leaning urban areas.

One major change would shift the district of Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a prominent Black Democratic lawmaker, into a more conservative area, effectively removing her from her own district. Critics argue this move is a clear attempt to reduce minority representation and consolidate GOP power.

Although the maps are not final, their release has sparked backlash from civil rights groups and Democratic leaders, who say the process lacks transparency and fairness.

Democratic Leaders Speak Out in Chicago

At a press conference held in Chicago, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu emphasized that the lawmakers’ decision to leave Texas was not a political stunt, but a necessary act of resistance.

“We’re not here to play political games. We’re here to demand an end to this corrupt process,” Wu said, referring to what he described as an undemocratic redistricting effort.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also voiced his support for the Texas Democrats during the conference, calling their walkout “a righteous act of courage.” Pritzker said the Republican-led redistricting plan threatens to silence “millions of voices, especially Black and Latino voters.”

What Happens Next

The Texas House is scheduled to reconvene at 3:00 p.m. Monday. Whether a quorum will be met remains uncertain, as the Democratic delegation shows no signs of returning before then.

If the standoff continues, Abbott could call for further special sessions or escalate legal proceedings against the absent lawmakers. The political and legal battle is likely to intensify in the coming days, with national implications for redistricting, voting rights, and legislative procedure.

Meanwhile, legal experts note that enforcing extradition or arrest across state lines for lawmakers engaged in political protest would likely trigger constitutional challenges and public scrutiny.