Texas Democrats hiding out in Illinois are now making fresh demands before returning to the state Capitol, according to the Associated Press.
The lawmakers fled last week to block a Republican-led congressional redistricting vote.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott have warned the absentee Democrats they could face arrest and removal from office if they refuse to return.
Although reports indicate the Democrats plan to return for Abbott’s second special session to vote on the GOP redistricting plan, they are now insisting on conditions: Republicans must end the current special session, and California must release its own redrawn map proposal. Both actions are expected Friday.
Judge Blocks Paxton’s Arrest Request
On Wednesday, Illinois Judge Scott Larson rejected Paxton’s request to enforce arrest warrants for the runaway state House Democrats, ruling he lacked jurisdiction to do so.
Abbott Calls Democrats Cowards
From Chicago, the Democrats have been mailing in their “demands” to Texas Republicans — a move Abbott ridiculed on X.
“Come back and fight like Texans rather than running and hiding like cowards,” the governor posted, mocking them with laughing emojis.
Nearly Two Weeks on the Run
The Democrat walkout has entered its second week, stalling the GOP’s effort to redraw U.S. House maps ahead of the 2026 election.
Republicans argue the maps are necessary to reflect population changes and maintain fair representation, while Democrats continue their obstruction from out-of-state.
