"Texas GOP lawmakers call for tracking down Democrats fleeing the state amidst redistricting dispute"
In a dramatic turn of events, Democratic statehouse legislators in Texas have decided to flee the state, breaking the quorum during a special legislative session and potentially delaying the passage of a new congressional map. This move comes as a response to the proposed map, which could create up to five new Republican seats [1].
Governor Greg Abbott and state Republicans argue that these legislators have forfeited their offices and could face felony violations or loss of their seats, as breaking quorum is seen as deliberately abdicating their legislative responsibilities [4]. However, legal experts indicate that while consequences like arrest warrants and fines can be used to compel attendance, removal from office is unprecedented and unlikely under the Texas Constitution [2].
The high quorum threshold (two-thirds of members) is designed to require broad consensus, and historically, expulsion for quorum breaks is extremely rare [2]. The Texas Supreme Court is currently considering Abbott’s petition to remove House Democratic leader Gene Wu as a test case [2][4].
Practically, the Democrats’ quorum break could delay or block the new maps during the special session. However, Governor Abbott can call unlimited special sessions, prolonging the legislative process until the Democrats return or are compelled to do so. Prolonged absences are difficult to maintain due to personal and professional burdens on legislators, making extended quorum breaks unlikely beyond two or three sessions [3].
This political standoff has seen Texas Democrats seeking help from other states. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been assisting behind the scenes, helping find hotels for the Democrats, aiding their operation, and ensuring smooth proceedings as they head to Illinois [5]. The Democrats' plan is to run out the clock on the 30-day special legislative session [6].
The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has expressed confidence in the defensibility of the maps in court, stating they are politically based, not race-based [7]. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has previously expressed a desire for Texas legislators to draw five new Republican districts [8].
The walkout cannot stop the passage of the bill, but it has sparked a series of political and legal consequences. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that the state House rules allow for Democrats who leave the state to be arrested, but it poses a challenge when they go out of state due to losing jurisdiction [9]. Governor Abbott has accused the House Democrats who fled the state of doing so for illegitimate reasons and demanded they return when the statehouse reconvenes [10].
As the standoff continues, some Democratic legislators fleeing Texas will appear with Governor Pritzker at a press conference on Sunday evening [11]. The future of the new congressional map remains uncertain, with the Democrats' quorum break adding a new layer of complexity to the already contentious political landscape in Texas.
- The dramatic decision by Democratic statehouse legislators in Texas to flee the state, breaking the quorum, is an analysis of the political landscape within the state, potentially delaying the passage of a new congressional map.
- The move is a response to the proposed map that could create up to five new Republican seats, sparking controversy and general news coverage.
- Governor Greg Abbott and state Republicans argue that these legislators have forfeited their offices, but legal experts suggest that while consequences like arrest warrants and fines can be used to compel attendance, removal from office under the Texas Constitution is unprecedented and unlikely.
- Meanwhile, the Democrats' plan is to run out the clock on the 30-day special legislative session by seeking assistance from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who has been helping them find accommodations and ensuring smooth proceedings as they head to Illinois.
- The walkout cannot stop the passage of the bill, but it has sparked a series of political and legal consequences, including a possible test case in the Texas Supreme Court, and a potential change in the policy-and-legislation landscape in Texas.
