Democrats Skip Session to Block GOP Maps
Texas Democrats again skipped a special legislative session Friday, denying Republicans the quorum needed to vote on a proposed redistricting plan that would create more GOP congressional seats. Many Democrats have fled to states like Illinois and California, vowing to remain away until the session ends Aug. 19 unless Republicans agree to focus on other priorities such as flood mitigation and disaster preparedness.
Paxton Pushes for Removal from Office
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced he has petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to remove 13 absent Democratic lawmakers from office, accusing them of deliberately sabotaging the legislative process. “These cowards deliberately sabotaged the constitutional process and violated the oath they swore to uphold,” Paxton said. He warned that more Democrats could face legal action if they don’t return.
Republican Leaders Escalate Pressure
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has suspended direct deposits for absent lawmakers, requiring them to collect paychecks in person until quorum is restored. Gov. Greg Abbott has supported arrests of absent Democrats and even suggested expanding GOP gains to as many as eight additional seats if the boycott continues.
National Political Fallout
The standoff has drawn national attention, with Republican Sen. John Cornyn calling on the FBI to locate the missing lawmakers. Congressional Democrats have raised concerns to the U.S. attorney general and FBI director, warning against using federal resources for partisan purposes.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders met with the Texas Democrats in solidarity and discussed countering GOP redistricting in Texas by potentially targeting five Republican-held districts in California.
For more on the redistricting attempts during the Texas Legislature’s special session, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.