A tense redistricting hearing at the Texas Capitol erupted into chaos when Democratic congressional candidate Isaiah Martin was forcibly removed and arrested after refusing to yield during testimony sharply criticizing Republican lawmakers and President Donald Trump.
Martin, who is running for Houston’s 18th Congressional District, defied repeated warnings from committee leadership after accusing Texas Republicans of gerrymandering “at Trump’s request.”
He was ultimately dragged from the chamber by sergeants as he shouted, “History will not remember you for what you have done! It is a shame!” The crowd audibly gasped as Martin collapsed during the removal.
The hearing, convened by the Texas House Redistricting Committee, was already contentious, as lawmakers debated newly proposed district lines widely seen as favoring Republican incumbents.
“You got to get Trump’s endorsement. That’s the name of the game to be a Republican nowadays,” Martin said during his testimony. “Trump told every single one of you that he needs five seats.”
Martin also cited Democratic-controlled states such as New York and New Jersey, where leaders have signaled plans to redraw maps to favor Democrats.
“Gov. Kathy Hochul said that she will be gerrymandering Republicans out,” he said. “The same thing is going to happen in New Jersey.”
Committee Chair Rep. Cody Vasut (R) attempted multiple times to restore order. When instructed to conclude, Martin shouted, “No, I’m not going to finish. Because I’m ... I’m NOT finished!”
Martin’s remarks grew more heated as he addressed Trump directly, “You can thank your failed, senile, dilapidated, Epstein-partying with president for all of the work that we’re about to do to every single one of you.”
Following the outburst, Martin was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, criminal trespass, and disrupting a public meeting. He was released from the Travis County Jail the following morning. All charges were dropped.
The committee continued the hearing without addressing the incident. Texas Republicans have not publicly commented on Martin’s removal or the dropped charges.
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