Attorney General Ken Paxton has stated that he will “hopefully” put the Democrat lawmakers who fled the state to avoid redistricting in jail.
Dozens of liberal lawmakers have left the state in an attempt to sabotage a legitimate Republican effort to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms.
By leaving the state, the lawmakers can hold up a special legislative session to redraw districts.
During an appearance on Fox & Friends First on Friday, Paxton outlined the situation, stating that the lawmakers have a specified deadline to get back to work that day. If they did not, his office plans to seek court intervention to compel their return, which could potentially lead to contempt charges and jail time.
“We’re waiting to see if they show up,” Paxton said. “Our speaker is giving them a deadline to show up today. If they show up, we’re happy, can get business done, and everything is good. If they do not show up, we will be in an Illinois courtroom to get them back to the state of Texas, hold them in contempt, if they refuse, hopefully put them in jail.”
DEMOCRAT DEADLINE DAY: Texas Democrats must return to the Lone Star State today or face serious consequences after they fled to boycott the redistricting vote.
Texas Attorney General @KenPaxtonTX joined us to discuss the next steps. pic.twitter.com/GuWhs0Q434— Fox & Friends First (@FoxFriendsFirst) August 8, 2025
The lawmakers could face further consequences, including potential expulsion from the legislature.
The politicians did not return by the deadline.
Paxton has since filed a lawsuit with the Texas Supreme Court seeking to expel 13 Democratic lawmakers from office for abandoning their duties.
Earlier in the week, Paxton posted on X, calling for the absent Democrats to be located and returned to the Capitol.
Democrats in the Texas House who try and run away like cowards should be found, arrested, and brought back to the Capitol immediately.
We should use every tool at our disposal to hunt down those who think they are above the law.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) August 3, 2025
Paxton wrote:
Democrats in the Texas House who try and run away like cowards should be found, arrested, and brought back to the Capitol immediately.
We should use every tool at our disposal to hunt down those who think they are above the law.
The Democrats’ departure is intended to prevent a quorum for the session. They have described their actions as a protest against what they are calling gerrymandering.