Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state police Aug. 4 to arrest more than 50 Democratic lawmakers who left the state a day earlier in an attempt to block a Republican-led congressional redistricting plan.
The Texas House voted 85-6 earlier that day to authorize civil arrest warrants for the absent Democrats, The Texas Tribune reported. House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he would immediately sign the warrants, directing the sergeant-at-arms and state troopers to arrest the lawmakers and return them to the Capitol.
In a statement posted to X, Abbott accused the Democrats of abandoning their duty to Texans.
Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty and are holding flood relief and property tax cuts hostage.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 4, 2025
I ordered Texas DPS to arrest and return every derelict House Democrat to the Texas Capitol.
This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrats are accounted for. pic.twitter.com/A87u2JxYU7
“By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief,” he said. “There are consequences for dereliction of duty.”
Abbott said the warrants will remain active until every absent Democrat returns to the Capitol.
Under Texas House rules, lawmakers face a $500 daily fine for breaking quorum. They also risk reprimand, censure, or expulsion — penalties that require a two-thirds vote. Lawmakers will not face criminal or civil charges as a result of the arrests.
The governor also directed the Texas Rangers to investigate whether Democratic lawmakers are receiving illegal donations to cover their $500 daily fines, according to The Hill.
Democrats left Texas Aug. 3 to deny Republicans the quorum needed to pass a redistricting plan that could give the GOP five additional congressional seats ahead of the 2026 midterms, the Tribune reported. They vowed to remain out of state until the 30-day special session expires in two weeks.