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Governor Greg Abbott of Texas issued a stern warning to state Democrats, stating that the threat of arrest upon their return to Texas could last “for literally years” on Sunday.
During an interview on “Fox News Sunday” with host Shannon Bream, Abbott made the statement. He emphasized that it is within his authority to keep the Texas legislature in a special session indefinitely, extending the penalties for Democrats who fled the state.
“I have the authority to call a special session every 30 days. It lasts for 30 days. And as soon as this one ends, I will call another one, then another, and another, and another,” Abbott explained.
“If they return to Texas, they will be arrested and taken to the Capitol. If they wish to avoid arrest, they will need to stay out of the state of Texas for an extended period of time,” he added.
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Governor Greg Abbott warns that Democrats who fled the state will face arrest for “literally years” upon their return to Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
This warning comes as Abbott seeks to remove delinquent Democrats from office, arguing that they have neglected their duties under the state constitution.
“We have a situation where lawmakers are violating the law in Article 3 of the Texas Constitution, which requires them to act on bills. Because they are not fulfilling this constitutional mandate, they are failing to uphold their oath of office, and I am taking legal action to remove them from office,” he stated.
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Texas Democrats stood alongside Illinois lawmakers on Aug. 4, 2025, to oppose redistricting measures proposed by Texas Republicans. (Fox News)
For the Texas House to conduct business, at least 100 out of the 150 members must be present, but approximately 50 Democrats have left. Abbott emphasized that their commitment to voting as elected state officials is a duty and not optional.
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Most of the Democrats have relocated to Illinois and New York, where they have the support of Democratic governors J.B. Pritzker and Kathy Hochul, respectively.
Texas state Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the State House Democratic Caucus, led his fellow lawmakers in fleeing the state to prevent a redistricting vote. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images)
In addition to the extended threat of arrest, Governor Abbott has also warned of adjusting the redistricting margin in favor of his party if lawmakers do not return to Austin.
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“If they continue to stay away, I am considering expanding,” Abbott stated during an appearance on the “Ruthless” podcast. “We may add six, seven, or eight new seats on the Republican side.”
Fox News’ Joseph Wulfsohn contributed to this report
