The Texas Capitol is unusually quiet this week — not because there’s no business to conduct, but because over 50 Democratic lawmakers have disappeared from the state. Now, Governor Greg Abbott has issued a bold ultimatum. What happens next could shake the legislature.
Background: Why They Left
A new political showdown is brewing in Texas over Republican-led efforts to redraw the state’s congressional districts. Critics say the plan would cement GOP control for the next decade. But instead of fighting it on the House floor, Democratic lawmakers left the state entirely.
Photos on social media showed Rep. Sheryl Cole and others boarding planes bound for Chicago, where they plan to ride out the remainder of the special legislative session.
Their goal? Deny the Texas House a quorum — the minimum number of lawmakers needed to pass any legislation.
Abbott Sets Deadline: Return by 3PM or Face Arrest
Governor Abbott wasted no time issuing a response. On Monday morning, he invoked a rarely used state law that allows him to expel absent legislators — and potentially have them arrested — if they don’t return by 3 p.m. Monday.
“These absences are not merely unintended and unavoidable interruptions in public service,” Abbott said. “They were premeditated for an illegitimate purpose.”
Possible Felony Charges
Abbott’s warning didn’t stop at expulsion. He also raised the possibility of felony charges — suggesting that lawmakers may have crossed the line into criminal conduct by raising funds to support their absence.
“Soliciting money to evade legislative responsibility could amount to bribery,” Abbott claimed.
“I will use my full extradition authority to demand the return of any potential out-of-state felons.”
The threat extends to extradition from other states, indicating that Abbott is willing to escalate the fight if Democrats don’t return voluntarily.
Inside the Walkout
Rep. Cole shared a photo of herself smiling aboard a flight, captioned:
“Leaving Texas to stop this rigged redistricting process.”
She’s one of more than 50 House Democrats participating in the walkout. According to the Washington Times, they intend to remain out of state until the session ends in two weeks — which would effectively kill the redistricting bill for now.
This isn’t the first time Texas Democrats have staged a dramatic walkout, but it may be the first time they’re facing criminal consequences for doing so.
What Happens Next?
If the lawmakers don’t return by 3 p.m., the Republican-controlled House could vote to expel them, with state troopers authorized to track down and detain them upon re-entry to Texas.
But even with Abbott’s threats, the Democrats don’t appear ready to back down. Legal experts are already questioning whether the governor’s interpretation of the law would hold up in court.
In the meantime, the state’s redistricting plans — and its political future — hang in the balance.
