Texas Republicans Move to Arrest, Penalize Democratic Lawmakers Who Left the State

Texas Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton (R) released official plans to take legal action against any Democratic lawmakers who do not return to the state by Friday. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) requested the FBI’s assistance in doing so.

The Details: The plans – released on Tuesday – state, “The continued refusal to perform legislative duties by Texas House Democrats who broke quorum constitutes abandonment of office, and [Paxton] will pursue a court ruling ensuring that their seats are declared vacant.” Paxton reportedly said Monday that he will seek arrests where possible. Cornyn requested FBI assistance “to locate or arrest potential lawbreakers.” Arrests would reportedly only apply within state lines and not directly result in charges.

Key Quotes: “In a representative democracy, we resolve our differences by debating and voting, not by running away,” wrote Cornyn. House Caucus Chair Gene Wu (D-TX) – who was located in Illinois on Monday – said, “We will not be complicit in the destruction of our own communities. We’re not here to play political games. We’re here to demand an end to this corrupt process.” 

For Context: Fifty-one Democratic lawmakers left Texas to prevent a quorum that would approve five new US House seats in the – primarily conservative – state if passed. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said Sunday that he would remove the lawmakers from office if they didn’t return by Monday afternoon. He ordered their arrests after the deadline. 

How The Media Covered It: Media across the political spectrum, including Newsweek (Center bias) and Daily Caller (Right), gave more voice to Republicans’ responses than Democrats’ defenses. The Texas Tribune (Lean Left) also highlighted some hurdles Republicans would have in seeking penalties for Democrats: “Paxton himself has acknowledged that this would likely be a lengthy and complicated process… that they’d have to bring individual lawsuits in each district.” 

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