Live updates: Texas Republicans push ahead with redistricting after Democrats flee state
CNNAUG 3
Texas Gov. Abbott Orders Arrest of Democrats Who Left State
Above: Greg Abbott speaks at a news conference in Hunt, Texas, on July 8, 2025. Image copyright: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Abbott's decisive action protects democracy by holding lawmakers accountable for abandoning their sworn duties to the people of Texas. These Democrats are blocking critical flood relief legislation and property tax cuts while taxpayers foot the bill for their political theater. The governor has every legal right to compel their return since breaking quorum violates their oath of office.
Democratic narrative
Republicans are weaponizing hollow arrest warrants to bully Democrats who fled to stop an unfair redistricting scheme. Legal experts say these warrants can't be enforced outside Texas, and defiant governors in blue states have vowed not to cooperate. Democrats are bravely defending voters from a GOP power grab that risks dismantling fair representation and undermining democracy itself.