Texas AG Moves to Remove AWOL Democrats From Office

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is done playing games. In a powerful move to defend the rule of law, Paxton announced Tuesday that he will seek judicial orders to officially remove Texas House Democrats who fled the state to block a Republican redistricting plan. These lawmakers who ran off to Illinois rather than fulfill their elected responsibilities may soon find their seats declared vacant if they refuse to return.

“The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines,” Paxton said. “If you don’t show up to work, you get fired.”

The Democrats in question broke quorum to stop the Republican-led redrawing of congressional maps. Lacking the votes to block the plan through legitimate means, they opted instead for political theater fleeing the state to grind the legislative process to a halt. It’s not the first time they’ve pulled this stunt either; they tried the same trick in 2021 to protest an election integrity bill.

Now Paxton is stepping in with serious legal consequences.

According to a press release from the Attorney General’s office, any lawmaker who has not returned by Friday, August 8, will be considered in abandonment of office. Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows has given these rogue members until the end of the week to get back to work or face Paxton’s full legal force.

“Starting Friday, any rogue lawmakers refusing to return to the House will be held accountable for vacating their office,” Paxton warned.

Here’s what’s really at stake:

• Texas voters didn’t elect these legislators to go AWOL every time they lose a vote.

• Redistricting is a legal, constitutional process not a political tantrum.

• If lawmakers can abandon their posts without consequences, democracy breaks down.

The Democrats’ behavior is nothing short of legislative sabotage. Rather than fight through the process, they’re bailing and using media coverage as a shield. But in Texas, that dog doesn’t hunt.

Paxton’s legal strategy is simple: make sure these seats don’t sit empty while their holders hide in another state. If a legislator abandons their office, then the office should be declared vacant just like any other job when the employee walks out.

This isn’t just about redistricting. It’s about accountability, constitutional order, and respect for the people of Texas. And Paxton is making it clear if you desert your duty, you don’t belong in public office.

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