AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he may pursue legal action against more than 50 Democratic state lawmakers who left the state to prevent a vote on proposed redistricting legislation.
The lawmakers traveled to Chicago, breaking the quorum required to conduct business in the Texas House.
The Democrats left in protest of Republican-supported congressional maps that would reshape district boundaries based on the 2020 U.S. Census. Their absence has halted the legislative session and delayed consideration of the redistricting proposals.
Governor Abbott stated that the lawmakers’ departure interfered with legislative operations. He raised concerns about the legality of their fundraising efforts to cover fines and expenses related to their absence. Abbott said he would consider all available legal measures to compel the lawmakers’ return.
“The members who left have a duty to represent their districts,” Abbott said. “Their decision to leave the state obstructs that responsibility.”
The Democratic lawmakers said they left to oppose what they described as efforts to redraw districts in a way that reduces representation for minority communities. They argued that the redistricting process lacks fairness and transparency.
The Texas House requires two-thirds of its members to be present to conduct official business. Without a quorum, the chamber cannot proceed with legislation.
