Redistricting battle heats up as Texas GOP seeks arrest of missing Democrats

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the civil arrest of Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to prevent a vote on a Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan, intensifying a standoff that has brought the legislative session to a halt.

The Democrats’ absence caused a loss of quorum, leaving the House unable to debate a bill that would redraw Texas’s congressional districts to add five new seats, favouring Republicans. This triggered a Republican-supported motion to authorise their civil arrests, according to US media reports.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows stated on August 4, “In response to this dereliction of duty, pursuant to House rules, I am ready to recognise a motion to place a call on the House and any other motions necessary to compel the return of absent members. Should such a motion pass, I will immediately sign warrants for the civil arrests of members who refuse to attend.”

Shortly after the session ended, Abbott posted on his X account under a “Breaking News” banner that he had ordered the arrest of the Democrats who fled.

Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to “locate, arrest, and return any House member who abandoned their duty to Texans.” However, since the Texas DPS lacks jurisdiction outside the state, civil arrest would be required to compel the lawmakers’ return to the Capitol.

Abbott also threatened to remove Democratic lawmakers from office if they fail to return. Dozens had fled the state in a last-ditch effort to block the congressional map redrawing that former President Trump supports ahead of the 2026 midterms, though the legal basis for their removal remains uncertain.

Burrows urged, “To those who are absent: return now. Show the courage to face the issues you were elected to solve, come back and fulfil your duty. This House will not sit quietly while you obstruct the work of the people.”

Republican Rep. Charlie Geren of Fort Worth introduced a motion for the Sergeant-at-Arms or appointed officers to “send for all absentees whose attendance is unexcused, to secure and maintain their attendance under warrant of arrest if necessary, and for this order to continue beyond the session’s adjournment until further notice from the House.”

The motion was approved with an 85 to 6 vote.

By Tamilla Hasanova