Redistricting dispute in Texas reaches a pivotal point
In a dramatic turn of events, the ongoing redistricting standoff in Texas has led to a series of legal consequences for the absconding Democrats, as they seek to break quorum and delay the legislative business.
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has scheduled the chamber to reconvene at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT) for legislative business, including redistricting. However, the Democrats' absence has created a stalemate, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick intending to consider the redistricting maps in the state Senate next week.
In an effort to compel the lawmakers' return, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and House Speaker Dustin Burrows have issued and are seeking to enforce nationwide civil arrest warrants. These warrants, based on Texas Constitution Article III, Section 10, allow for the arrest of absentees without sufficient excuse. The enforcement of these warrants relies on cooperation from other states, but governors in states like Illinois and California have supported the Democrats and may resist enforcement.
Democrats who break quorum incur a $500 fine per day while absent, as established by Texas House rules in 2023. Beto O'Rourke is raising funds for the Democratic members who left the state, while Texas state Rep. James Talarico stated that they are facing fines of $500 a day and are willing to pay because of the importance of the fight.
In addition to fines and civil arrest warrants, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and AG Paxton have filed lawsuits asking the Texas Supreme Court to remove certain Democrats from office on grounds of "abandoning" their posts to evade legislative duties. However, Democrats contend only the Texas House can do so via a two-thirds vote.
While warrants exist, Democrats outside Texas are currently beyond Texas authorities’ immediate jurisdiction, and their arrest and return depend on other states’ courts accepting the enforcement of Texas civil warrants.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Texas House Democrats had to evacuate their hotel in Illinois due to a potential bomb threat. As of Thursday, dozens of Democrats remain outside of the state.
Republicans could move quickly to a vote in the House if a quorum is established. However, at least 12 Democrats are required to establish a quorum in the Texas House, making the Democrats' absence a significant hurdle.
In the midst of this standoff, potential bribery investigations have been announced into the fundraising efforts of Powered By People, O'Rourke's political action committee in Texas, and Texas Majority PAC, which is backed by George Soros. Katherine Fischer, director of the Texas Majority PAC, accused Abbott and Paxton of failing the people of Texas.
US Sen. John Cornyn has enlisted help from FBI Director Kash Patel to assist state law enforcement in tracking down the absent lawmakers. California's Newsom has announced a plan to push for a map that could erase up to five GOP-held seats if the Texas plan passes.
In the Republican primary for US Senate, Cornyn and Paxton are running against each other, adding another layer of political complexity to the redistricting standoff.
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- The ongoing political standoff in Texas over redistricting has led to warrants being issued for the arrest of absent Democratic lawmakers, as they seek to avoid quorum and hinder legislative business.
- Beyond Texas authorities' immediate jurisdiction, Democrats outside the state are currently facing potential legal action due to the enforcement of civil arrest warrants issued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and House Speaker Dustin Burrows.
- Amid the standoff, allegations of bribery have been raised in the fundraising efforts of political action committees, adding crime-and-justice and general-news layers to the politics of Texas redistricting.
