Key Takeaways:
- Abbott Orders Arrest of Missing Democrats: Governor Abbott instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest and return Democrat lawmakers who fled the state to block GOP redistricting efforts.
- Investigation into Potential Bribery Launched: Abbott directed the Texas Rangers to investigate whether Democrats received improper donations to offset $500-per-day fines for skipping out on legislative duties.
- Critical Legislation Held Hostage: Abbott and House leadership blasted Democrats for stalling bills on flood relief and property tax cuts, calling their actions a dereliction of duty to Texas voters.
Governor Greg Abbott isn’t playing games. On Monday, the Texas Republican ordered the arrest of Democrat lawmakers who fled the state to block a GOP-backed redistricting plan that could hand Republicans five new congressional seats. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s unleashing the Texas Rangers to investigate whether these political runaways are also pocketing potentially illegal donations to dodge accountability.
“Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans,” Abbott said. “By fleeing the state, [they] are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty.”
Those consequences? Arrest. Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, detain, and return every AWOL Democrat back to the Capitol. Speaker Dustin Burrows also issued formal warrants to compel attendance and restart the legislative process.
Abbott’s not stopping there. He’s also ordered a full investigation into whether Democrats—or their donors—are engaged in bribery by funding the $500 daily fines these lawmakers are racking up. “That investigation should extend to anyone who aided or abetted such potential crimes,” Abbott warned.
This isn’t about partisan games. It’s about public service and rule of law. While Democrats hop flights and dodge votes, Abbott is standing firm—for property tax relief, disaster aid, and election integrity. Texas doesn’t run from tough fights. It arrests those who do.