Governor Abbott Orders Texas Department Of Public Safety To Arrest Delinquent House Democrats

August 4, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott orders the arrest of delinquent Texas House Democrats.

In August 2025, over 50 Democratic state representatives flew to cities like Illinois and New York, denying the House the two-thirds quorum required to hold official votes. Their goal was to block a GOP-backed redistricting plan supported by Gov. Greg Abbott and former President Trump that could net Republicans five additional U.S. House seats.

“Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty.
 
“Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber. To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol.”