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3h ago

FBI to Assist in Locating Texas House Democrats in Redistricting Standoff

Cornyn says the bureau will help state officials find legislators who fled Texas to block a GOP plan to redraw districts for five additional seats.

FILE -Vice President JD Vance listens as President Donald Trump speaks, Aug. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
A map of U.S. congressional districts proposed plan is seen at a Texas legislators' public hearing on congressional redistricting in Austin, Texas, on Aug. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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Overview

  • Sen. John Cornyn said FBI Director Kash Patel approved his request to assist state law enforcement in locating Texas House Democrats who fled to stall the redistricting vote.
  • More than 50 Democrats remain in Illinois, New York or Massachusetts, denying the Texas House the two-thirds quorum needed to consider the GOP-led mid-decade map rewrite.
  • Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to arrest absent lawmakers, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows issued civil warrants to compel their return to Austin.
  • The special session, convened July 21 at President Trump’s urging, seeks a mid-decade redraw of congressional districts aimed at adding up to five Republican seats.
  • Republicans must reestablish quorum by the August 19 deadline to advance the map, while Democrats contend the federal intervention risks politicizing the FBI.