Abbott threatens Texas Democrats with removal from office if they don’t return by Monday

Published August 4, 2025 12:11am ET



Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) pressured the more than 50 Texas Democrats who have fled the state in protest of a new congressional map proposal to return for the full House vote on Monday or else face removal from office.

Abbott’s threat comes after 51 Texas Democratic lawmakers flew to Chicago on Sunday to break quorum, all but derailing the 3 p.m. Monday vote on a new congressional map that includes five redrawn districts designed to favor Republicans. The mass exodus was brokered by Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL), who is now offering the state lawmakers any logistical assistance they need, as most plan to stay in the Windy City for the next week.

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