One day after Texas House Democrats fled the state in a bid to stop redistricting, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state troopers to arrest them.
“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,” Abbott said in an August 4 press release.
“This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol.”
Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty and are holding flood relief and property tax cuts hostage.
I ordered Texas DPS to arrest and return every derelict House Democrat to the Texas Capitol.
This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrats are accounted for. pic.twitter.com/A87u2JxYU7
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 4, 2025
Abbott said the absent House Democrats were holding up “critical legislation” for flood victims and property tax relief. The Democrats fled the state Sunday, attempting to stall a vote on the upcoming Republican-friendly redistricting.
Abbott signed the order to “ensure compliance” with Republican Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, he said.
Burrows announced civil arrest warrants for the absent Democrats earlier that afternoon.
“They’ve left the state, abandoned their posts, and turned their backs on the constituents they swore to represent,” Burrows said in the chamber. “I will immediately sign the warrants for the civil arrest of the members who have said they will not be here.”
Burrows previously warned that if the Democrats did not return, “all options will be on the table.” Attorney General Ken Paxton said on August 3 that he supports their “immediate arrest.”
I support the immediate arrest of these rogue lawmakers who’ve fled their duties. These radical Democrats are spitting in the face of every Texan they swore to represent. This is cowardice and dereliction of duty, and they should face the full force of the law without apology. https://t.co/cE6fZowNmR
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) August 3, 2025
“To those who are absent – return now. Show the courage to face the issues you were elected to solve. Come back and fulfill your duty,” Burrows said when announcing the warrants. “Because this House will not sit quietly while you obstruct the work of the people.”