Tensions erupted Thursday night at the Texas Capitol as Democratic congressional candidate Isaiah Martin was arrested and forcibly removed from a redistricting hearing after launching into a tirade against Republicans and President Trump.
Martin, who is running for Houston’s 18th Congressional District, ignored repeated warnings to stop speaking. Authorities ultimately dragged him out after he accused Republicans of gerrymandering at Trump’s request.
Martin’s testimony quickly spiraled into a political rant.
“You can thank your failed, senile, dilapidated, Epstein-partying with president for all of the work that we’re about to do to every single one of you,” Martin shouted, moments before being pulled from the room.
He also warned of political “retaliation,” citing Democrat-controlled states like New York and New Jersey that are redrawing maps to push out Republicans.
Disorder in the Hearing Room
Footage shows Martin collapsing as security attempted to escort him out. He shouted:
“History will NOT remember you for what you have DONE! It is a shame!”
Texas Democrat Congressional candidate Isaiah Martin ARRESTED after unhinged meltdown at a committee hearing and resisting security
Martin is now facing charges including resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and disrupting a meeting or procession. pic.twitter.com/DOOU1Do3zo
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 25, 2025
He was charged with resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and disrupting a public meeting.
Despite the disruption, the committee resumed without commenting on the incident.
Charges Dropped, Candidate Unrepentant
Martin was released from Travis County Jail Friday. All charges were later dropped.
He posted a video to X thanking supporters and declaring, “The Republican Party threw me in jail because I had the audacity to speak up.”
The Republican Party threw me in jail because I had the audacity to speak up pic.twitter.com/E2VApKHWgO
— Isaiah Martin (@isaiahrmartin) July 26, 2025
Attacks on GOP, Trump, and Texas Leadership
Throughout his testimony, Martin launched attacks on the Texas GOP:
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Claimed the hearing was illegitimate and “rigged”
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Accused Republicans of redistricting to gain Trump’s endorsement
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Blamed GOP leadership for rising property taxes and economic issues
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Accused the state of exploiting tragedy to push partisan maps
“You choose to go and gerrymander people out of their seats after one of the worst mass casualty events in our state’s history,” Martin said.
Rep. Cody Vasut, the Redistricting Committee chair, repeatedly tried to restore order, but Martin refused to yield.
Trump Pushes for More GOP Seats
President Trump has publicly urged state lawmakers to secure five additional Republican House seats through redistricting. TX-18, the district Martin is running in, is one of several flagged by the DOJ for potential unconstitutional racial gerrymandering.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has defended the effort, calling it a necessary compliance move after recent court rulings.
More Hearings Ahead
The redistricting map remains unfinished. Additional hearings are scheduled for Saturday in Houston and Monday in Arlington.
