Texas Governor Greg Abbott is threatening major action against Democrats who fled the state to block a vote on new political maps. These AWOL lawmakers skipped town to avoid a special session called by Abbott, who wants fairer elections in Texas. Republicans say the maps will stop Democrats from gerrymandering districts to keep power they don’t deserve.
Democrats claim the plan rigs the system against Black and Latino voters, but conservatives argue they just want honest elections. Breaking the quorum has backfired before—like in 2021 when they hid in D.C. to avoid voting rules. Texas law fines them $500 daily for skipping work, and Abbott insists they’ll pay up.
Attorney General Ken Paxton fired back on social media, pushing to arrest and bring back the runaway lawmakers. “They think they’re above the law,” he tweeted. Abbott’s office says this isn’t about politics—it’s about showing up for Texans devastated by recent floods. The maps need to pass to address disaster relief funding.
Most Democrats flew to Chicago, where Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker rolled out the red carpet. New York’s Kathy Hochul also invited some to protest, but conservatives call this a partisan sideshow. “They’re deserting their posts to whine about losing power,” said RNC’s Jane Timken on Fox News.
Republicans have enough votes to pass the maps if the quorum is restored. But without Democrats, the House can’t act—a tactic they’ve used three times now. Abbott vows to keep calling special sessions until business gets done. “We won’t let them hide,” he declared.
The map could flip five U.S. House seats from blue to red, shifting Congress. Democrats fear losing power in 2026 midterms and claim it’s racist, but conservatives say it’s just fixing unfair districts. Texas led the nation in population growth, so new seats make sense.
This isn’t about farmer’s markets or flood aid—it’s raw power struggles. Abbott’s team frames it as defending Texas sovereignty from Fed-versus-state battles. “Law and order matters most,” Paxton said, promising legal action.
The battle rages as Texas GOP pushes forward. Abbott’s Courage PAC is already raising cash, battling against leftist donors. “This isn’t over,” Abbott vowed. Texans tired of Washington politics will watch closely.
