On Monday, Texas Democrats made a bold move by deserting their state, effectively leaving their leader without enough votes to achieve a quorum. This action came as a response to attempts from the White House aimed at manipulating congressional maps in Texas to favor the Republican side.
As the legislative session began at 3 PM local time, Republicans found themselves short by eight votes, directly due to Democrats fleeing to Illinois, as well as a legislative conference in Boston and hints of movement in New York.
It’s worth noting that Democrats hold 62 out of 150 seats in the state house, meaning if at least 51 decide to remain elsewhere, any voting, including essential proposals for redrawing the state’s congressional map—which could hand Republicans an additional five congressional seats—stalls.
Facing this deadlock, Representative Dustin Burrows, the Texas speaker, decided to adjourn the house until 1 PM on Tuesday after issuing a call for those absent. He threw in a threat of arrest too. However, instead of addressing the contentious issue of redistricting, he referenced important legislation regarding flood relief and combatting human trafficking as part of his plea for the return of the Democrats.
Burrows lamented, “Rather than tackling these significant matters, some colleagues chose to escape their responsibilities, abandoning their constituents on the orders of out-of-state influencers who are clueless about Texas concerns.”
Adding to the intensity, Governor Greg Abbott didn’t hold back; he threatened the recalcitrant lawmakers with potential arrest, hefty fines, bribery charges, and even removal from their posts.
In a bold statement, Abbott proclaimed, “True Texans don’t just ditch responsibilities. This stop-loss on absences ends now. Those derelict Democrats must return to Texas by the next reconvening at 3 PM on Monday, August 4, 2025.”
TX Attorney General Ken Paxton, who dodged his own impeachment hearings, also had some choice words for the Democratic rebels, labeling them “cowards.”
Speaker Burrows was adamant the legislature wouldn’t remain idle. “As you impede the legislative work, Texas citizens and the nation are keeping a close eye, and if you dwell on this path, ensure you’re aware of the ensuing consequences,” he stated.
In a significant counter, the Texas House Democratic Caucus argued in a response: “Bring it on.”
State representative James Tallarico emphasized in a video shot at the airport, “Our fight isn’t for a party; it’s about the democratic process itself, and the stakes are enormous. Standing firm is essential.”
Most Democrats took refuge in Chicago, a city led by a Democrat major and government, in a predominantly Democratic state.
Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois stepped up, announcing his support by providing complimentary hotel rooms for Texas Democrats throughout their stay out of state.
Texas’s special legislative session can last up to 30 days, although Governor Abbott reserves the right to extend it indefinitely. New rules implemented in 2021 mandate that legislators face a fine of $500 daily for missing their responsibilities.
