The Texas State Capitol has become the focus of national attention amid a heated redistricting battle. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, defended the Democrats' last-ditch effort in a statement on Sunday.
"This is not a decision we make lightly, but it is one we make with absolute moral clarity," Wu said.
But leaving the state could expose the Democrats to penalties, including fines, and Attorney General Ken Paxton previously threatened to arrest them over the civil violation.
"[T]hey should be found and arrested no matter where they go," the attorney general said.
TRUMP, REPUBLICANS RACE TO REDRAW TEXAS CONGRESSIONAL MAP AS DEMOCRATS THREATEN LEGAL WAR
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton threatened to arrest Democratic lawmakers who fled the state. (Dylan Hollingsworth/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
"The DNC is proud to support these legislators in standing up and showing real leadership," he said. "We will fight alongside them to stop this anti-democratic assault. And, after this fight is done, we’re coming full force for the Republicans’ House majority."
Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Dustin Burrows issued a warning to Democrats on Sunday.
"The Texas House will be convening at 3:00pm tomorrow," he wrote on X. "If a quorum is not present then, to borrow the recent talking points from some of my Democrat colleagues, all options will be on the table. . ."
Fox News Digital's Amanda Macias, Maggie Kerkman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Andrea Margolis is a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can follow her on X at @andreamargs or send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-democrats-flee-state-block-trump-backed-redistricting-vote-dramatic-legislative-move