Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of dozens of state Democrats who fled to block Republican district plans to overturn Democratic seats in the US home.
Governor Abbott orders arrest of a fleeing Texas Democrat
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of Democrats who left the state to block votes in districts that could support Republicans in Congress.
Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas law enforcement to arrest Democrats who fled to block votes in districts that could give Republicans several more seats to U.S. House members.
“Texas House Democrats have waived their obligations to Texans,” Abbott announced the move in an August 4 press release. “By fleeing the state, House Democrats in Texas hold hostage critical laws to support flood victims and advance property tax relief. The waiver of obligation will have an impact.”
It is unclear whether Texas law enforcement will be able to work with out-of-state law enforcement agencies to enforce arrest orders. Abbott said missing Democrats are designed to comply with a civil arrest warrant issued by state Republican lawmakers a day earlier. These warrants apply only to status lines.
More than 50 state Democrats fled in a political power struggle on August 3rd. Many people went to the Chicago area of Illinois, where Democrat JB Pretzker greeted them. Others went to Boston, Massachusetts and Albany, New York.
At the request of President Donald Trump, Texas Republicans have proposed changes to Congressional districts to give support to the party in next year’s midterm elections. The improved map allows Republicans to flip five Democratic Capitols.
Democrats are already facing a $500 fine for every day they are out of state. The penalty comes after state Democrats made a similar move in 2021 to protest new voting restrictions. But supporters such as billionaire Pretzker and Texas star democratic fundraiser Rep. Jasmine Crockett offered to help the fugitive Democrats.
Abbott said his arrest order, which called for the Texas Department of Public Safety to take action, will remain in place until the missing Democrats are brought to the Texas Capitol.
Contribution: Savannah Kuchar – USA Today
