Texas Republicans are trying to update their Congressional map in a way that will provide fairer representation for Republicans. (Fairer, in any event, in the context of the gerrymandering for which Democrats have long been notorious.) Texas House Democrats have fled the state to prevent establishment of a quorum, and thus defeat the redistricting.
This is nothing new. Democrats did the same thing in Wisconsin a few years ago, and earlier this year in Minnesota. No doubt there are other instances. What is different this time is the Republicans’ response: “Greg Abbott Drops Bombshell on TX Dems Who Fled State: Return Today or Be Removed, Face Felony Charges.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement warning Democrats who fled the state to deny a quorum for his redistricting push that they have until precisely 3 p.m. Monday to return to their House duties or face removal from office.
Abbott, in his statement, cites a 2021 Attorney General opinion (KP-0382) that could let him petition a court to declare their seats vacant. On top of that, he’s dangling the sword of felony charges, alleging their fundraising to cover $500-a-day fines might violate bribery laws.
BREAKING NEWS from TX Governor Greg Abbott:
“This truancy ends now. The derelict Democrat House members must return to Texas and be in attendance when the House reconvenes at 3:00 PM on Monday, August 4, 2025. For any member who fails to do so, I will invoke Texas Attorney… pic.twitter.com/lCg1LXSyum
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 4, 2025
This is great to see. When Minnesota’s House Democrats boycotted this year’s session to prevent election of a Republican speaker, my organization launched a massive public campaign demanding that the House Democrats–who were being paid!–show up for work. We bombarded them with 20,000 emails, and they cracked, appearing for the session with their tails between their legs. Of course, Greg Abbott isn’t our governor.
I think Abbott’s response to the Democrats’ reprehensible tactics is typical of a new day in our politics. In recent times, Republicans have been playing golf while Democrats have played football. The GOP base is tired of it: no more Marquess of Queensberry Rules, please. These days, Republicans are fighting fire with fire. President Trump has of course led the way, but other Republicans like Greg Abbott are following suit.
The playing field isn’t level yet, but it is getting there.
