Texas governor orders arrest of Democrats who fled state to block redistricting vote

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered state police to locate and arrest Democratic lawmakers who left the state to block a vote on a controversial redistricting plan. The move follows civil arrest warrants issued by the Texas House for the absent members.

The Democrats left Texas on Sunday and travelled to Illinois in an effort to prevent a vote on a Republican-backed plan to redraw the state’s congressional map. The proposed changes could give Republicans five additional seats in the 2026 midterm elections. The redistricting push has the backing of President Donald Trump.

Governor Abbott criticised the Democrats’ actions, accusing them of abandoning their responsibilities. “By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to help flood victims and deliver property tax relief,” he said on Monday. Abbott directed the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to “find, arrest, and return” any lawmakers who had “abandoned their duty to Texans.”

The redistricting plan was introduced during a special legislative session called by Abbott after Trump urged Texas Republicans to redraw the map. The new map would strengthen GOP control and could cut Democratic seats in the state from 13 to 8. Critics say the move is a clear case of gerrymandering — redrawing voting districts to benefit one political party.

Outnumbered in the legislature, Texas Democrats left the state to break quorum and stall the bill. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker welcomed them, but Texas Republicans responded by issuing arrest warrants in an effort to bring them back.

However, there are limits to what Texas authorities can do. DPS officers do not have power outside the state, meaning they cannot arrest the lawmakers in Illinois. If the lawmakers return to Texas, they can be detained and escorted back to the Capitol.

Lawmakers who remain absent can be fined $500 for each day they skip the session.