Redistricting Standoff: Fleeing Democrat Lawmakers Still At Large, As Efforts To Penalize Them Thicken

For the third time in a week, the Texas House of Representatives failed to establish a quorum after more than 50 Democratic lawmakers fled the state in protest of a redistricting plan they claim would disadvantage Black and Latino voters.

Despite holding an 88-62 majority, Republican lawmakers were again unable to move forward with legislative business as the state constitution requires 100 members to be present for quorum.

Speaker Burrows: “You will come back”

House Speaker Dustin Burrows expressed frustration Thursday, announcing new measures aimed at pressuring the absent Democrats to return to Austin.

“The roll has been called, and a quorum has not been established,” Burrows said during the session. “Each one of you knows that eventually you will come back. And we will pass the priorities of the special session.”

Penalties introduced for absent lawmakers

In a move to apply pressure, Burrows outlined a series of consequences for lawmakers who remain out of state:

• Electronic payments suspended: Lawmakers’ salaries and per diems will no longer be deposited electronically—only available in person in Austin.
• Budget restrictions: 30% of their monthly operational budgets are now frozen.
• No remote reimbursements: Lawmakers must appear in person to request travel reimbursement, salary increases, and newsletter approvals.
• Newsletter suspension: Legislative newsletters for these absent lawmakers will be canceled until they return in person.

Additionally, Burrows claimed that law enforcement agencies in California and Illinois, where some lawmakers have taken refuge, are working with the Department of Public Safety. He even mentioned that the FBI’s assistance has reportedly been enlisted.

“Be reminded that the FBI’s assistance has reportedly been enlisted and their powers are not confined to any singular state’s boundaries” Burrows warned.

Voters voice frustration over lack of representation

Some voters are growing frustrated. In Houston’s District 137, where Rep. Gene Wu is among those absent, residents like Helen Wu voiced concerns.

“By him being away, nothing is being done for the people in Southwest,” she said. “He is not doing business in any capacity for (district) 137. To do his work, he needs to be in Houston—in Austin.”

Governor Greg Abbott has formally filed for Wu’s removal. Wu, who also serves as Chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, called the move unconstitutional in a tweet responding to a Texas Supreme Court order to address the filing.

Political fallout widens

Meanwhile, Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into whether Powered by People—a group linked to Democrat Beto O’Rourke—is illegally funding the lawmakers’ out-of-state travel.

While Democrats remain firm in their opposition to the redistricting bill, pressure continues to mount both legally and financially.

Culled from Click2houstion reported by Joy Addison (the headline was rejigged).