Democratic lawmakers are continuing to defy the Texas governor, despite escalating threats from Republicans
Democratic lawmakers from Texas are doubling down on their refusal to return to Austin to vote on a highly controversial redistricting map, even after threats from Governor Greg Abbott.
Abbott has threatened to remove the lawmakers from office if they do not return to vote on the Trump-backed redistricting of the state. The governor also suggested that the lawmakers have committed felonies by fundraising to pay off their $500-a-day fees for not being present.
“This truancy ends now,” Abbott said in a letter sent to each of the departed members. “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.”
In response, the Texas House Democratic Caucus issued a four word response: “Come and take it.”
The 51 lawmakers who left the state have gone to Illinois and New York to speak out against the governor and their Republican colleagues.
