Texas Gov Abbott Holds Endless Sessions To Force Democratic Lawmakers' Return

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to call an indefinite series of special legislative sessions until Democratic lawmakers, who fled the state to block a GOP-backed congressional redistricting map, return to Austin. Abbott emphasized that if Democrats return to Texas, they will be arrested and taken to the Capitol to restore quorum and pass the redistricting legislation, which aims to add up to five new Republican seats. He has also initiated legal action to remove Democrats from office for violating their constitutional duties by breaking quorum and abandoning their posts. Democrats left Texas for blue states like Illinois and New York to prevent the passage of the map, which they argue unfairly benefits Republicans, while Republicans assert it corrects demographic changes. The standoff has sparked threats of retaliatory redistricting from other Democratic-controlled states, raising the specter of a nationwide tit-for-tat congressional map overhaul. Despite the escalating tensions, Abbott remains steadfast in his approach, prepared to continue special sessions every 30 days until the Democrats comply.