Texas AG Seeks Illinois Court Aid to Enforce Arrest Warrants for Democratic Lawmakers

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and House Speaker Dustin Burrows have escalated efforts to counter Democratic lawmakers who fled to Illinois to break quorum and block a GOP-backed redistricting plan aimed at securing five additional congressional seats for Republicans. Paxton filed a lawsuit in Illinois seeking enforcement of Texas-issued civil arrest warrants, invoking the Constitution's full faith and credit clause to compel Illinois authorities to assist in returning the lawmakers to Texas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Senator John Cornyn have also involved federal law enforcement, with the FBI reportedly tracking the absent Democrats. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has pledged to protect the Texas Democrats, emphasizing their legal right to oppose the redistricting efforts. The Democrats, represented by state Rep. John Bucy III, have criticized the Republican actions as a scare tactic and a threat to democracy, with Bucy framing their flight as a defense of constitutional principles. Meanwhile, Paxton's Senate campaign is highlighting his role in this redistricting battle, underscoring his commitment to the GOP agenda and his association with President Trump.