Gov. Greg Abbott warned Texas House Democrats that they will be expelled from office if they don't return to the Lone Star State to vote on Republicans' proposed redistricting map. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
"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," he wrote.
At least 100 members of the 150-member Texas House must be present to conduct business, and approximately 50 of the Democrats have left. Abbott said their commitment to voting as elected state officials is a duty and is "not optional."
The Texas House is set to reconvene at 3 p.m. on Monday and Abbott said the "derelict Democrat House members must return" by then or face being removed from their positions by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The Republican AG has already stated that the lawmakers "should be found and arrested no matter where they go."
Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu (center) spoke during a news conference in Chicago after Texas Democrats fled the state to avoid voting on a redistricting proposal. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (left) showed support for Wu and the other Texas lawmakers, calling them "courageous." (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker shared his support for the Texas Democrats during the news conference, describing their departure as a "righteous act of courage," while claiming Republicans want to silence "millions of voices, especially Black and Latino voters."
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"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.
The lawmakers have not stated a potential timeline for returning to Texas.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/abbott-threatens-remove-house-dems-from-office-following-dramatic-departure-avoid-vote