Texas Governor Orders Arrest Of Democrat Lawmakers Over Absence On Redistricting Vote

Last Updated:August 05, 2025, 04:41 IST

The departure of the Democrats meant the Texas House failed to achieve the required quorum of 100 members.

Governor Abbott has accused the absent legislators of abandoning their responsibilities (Instagram)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Department of Public Safety to arrest Democrat lawmakers who fled the state to block a controversial vote on redrawing congressional districts. The directive was issued on Monday after the group of lawmakers left Texas, thereby preventing the state House from reaching the quorum needed to conduct legislative business.

“By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty," Abbott said in a statement, accusing the absent legislators of abandoning their responsibilities.

The political standoff emerged during a special legislative session convened by Abbott. The session was set to consider a Republican-backed redistricting proposal, alongside measures addressing disaster relief for recent Texas floods and a proposed ban on THC, a psychoactive compound found in cannabis. However, Democrat lawmakers, criticising the redistricting plan as a partisan gerrymander designed to entrench Republican power, left the state on Sunday in a coordinated protest.

The departure of the Democrats meant the Texas House failed to achieve the required quorum of 100 members, effectively halting legislative proceedings. Abbott, upset by the obstruction, issued an order directing law enforcement to locate and arrest the absent lawmakers. “The order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol," he stated.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows also condemned the walkout, warning of severe consequences. On Monday, the House voted 85–6 to approve arrest warrants for the missing members. The chamber was later adjourned for the day, but Burrows insisted that the legislature “will complete its required duties", whether that occurs this week or the next, reported The National Desk.

In addition to the arrest orders, absent lawmakers face financial penalties. Under a rule introduced in 2021, those who break quorum during a vote on legislation will be fined $500 per day until they return.

The move has sparked a national political row. Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the redistricting effort, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen Republican influence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Meanwhile, Democrat governors Gavin Newsom of California and Kathy Hochul of New York have suggested retaliatory redistricting efforts.

Speaking from Illinois, Democratic leader Gene Wu defended the walkout. “We’re not walking out on our responsibilities; we’re walking out on a rigged system that refuses to listen to the people we represent," he said.

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 05, 2025, 04:41 IST

News world Texas Governor Orders Arrest Of Democrat Lawmakers Over Absence On Redistricting Vote

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