Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a direct and unapologetic warning to House Democrats on Friday: return to Austin by Monday or face arrest and potential expulsion from office. The governor’s declaration follows a mass exodus of Democratic lawmakers who fled the state in a last-ditch effort to block a critical redistricting vote—one that could solidify conservative control in Texas well into the next decade.

“Real Texans don’t flee from a battle,” Abbott stated firmly. “Rather than doing their job and voting on urgent legislation affecting the lives of all Texans, they have fled Texas to deprive the House of the quorum necessary to meet and conduct business.”

At least 100 of the 150 Texas House members must be physically present to proceed with legislative duties. Yet roughly 50 Democrat legislators skipped town, reportedly flying to Chicago on Sunday night, abandoning their constitutional responsibility and constituents in the process.

Doubling down on defiance, the Texas House Democratic Caucus replied with the taunting phrase: “Come and take it.” They also accused Republicans of pursuing a “racist mid-decade redistricting scheme”—a tired and politically loaded accusation often weaponized by the Left when the system doesn’t tilt in their favor.

The Texas House will reconvene Monday at 3 p.m., and Abbott has made it clear: if the lawmakers don’t return, consequences will follow. He announced Attorney General Ken Paxton has been authorized to locate and bring back the absentee Democrats, stressing that under the Texas Constitution, any legislator who has “forfeited his or her office due to abandonment” may be removed from their seat.

The governor didn’t stop there. He also warned that soliciting funds to aid in dodging legislative responsibilities could constitute criminal activity under state bribery statutes. “Any Democrat who ‘solicits, accepts, or agrees to accept’ such funds… may have violated bribery laws,” Abbott wrote, citing the Texas Penal Code. Individuals who “offer, confer, or agree to confer” financial support to further this dereliction could also face felony charges.

“I will use my full extradition authority to demand the return to Texas of any potential out-of-state felons,” Abbott concluded, signaling his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and legislative integrity.

At the heart of the Democrats’ flight is a redistricting proposal aimed at realigning Texas congressional maps based on recent census data and shifting voter trends. The plan reflects growing conservative momentum in urban centers like Dallas and Houston and would relocate Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett out of her current district. Though the Left has labeled this as targeted political retribution, it’s standard and legal procedure following the decennial census.

Despite the obstruction, Texas Republicans are pressing ahead. A recent public hearing drew significant interest—and heated moments. One especially unruly disruption ended with District 18 congressional candidate Isaiah Martin being physically removed from the chamber for refusing to yield time. “The sergeants are directed to remove the gentleman from the room,” said Chairman Cody Vasut, as Martin shouted, “History will not remember you for what you have done!”

Meanwhile, the rogue Democrats camped out in Chicago continue to spin the narrative. Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu claimed the walkout was an act of defiance, not desertion: “We’ve come to put a stop to this rotten system.” Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker predictably voiced his support, hailing the move as a “righteous act of courage” and accusing Texas Republicans of voter suppression.

“Texas Democrats were left with no choice but to leave their home state, block a vote from taking place, and protect their constituents,” Pritzker said.

But critics say the Democrats' actions are more about evading political defeat than protecting democracy. With Texas trending further to the right thanks to the state’s rejection of failed left-wing policies, the walkout appears less like a principled stand—and more like an act of desperation.

Governor Abbott, for his part, is not backing down. He remains committed to defending the legislative process and holding absentee lawmakers accountable for abandoning their posts when Texans needed them most.