Abbott Vows to Call Endless Special Sessions as Democrats Flee

Senator John Cornyn: "SHAMEFUL. Texas House Democrats refused to show up to work today for the quorum deadline. They have abdicated their constitutional responsibilities for far too long. Thank you @FBIDirectorKash for helping Texans try to get their legislators back."

State Senator Mayes Middleton: "As Texas Attorney General, I'll start an anti-corruption division that investigates politicians profiting off their position and ripping off taxpayers through waste, fraud, and abuse. On day 1, I will start with the completely unethical and mentally unfit lunatic Lina Hidalgo."

Rep. Greg Casar: "Dear Senator Cornyn: John. We know each other. You were one of the only Republicans to reach out to me when I joined Congress. You are causing long-term harm to American democracy by encouraging federal law enforcement to arrest lawmakers over political disagreements. Do not further disgrace yourself by doing what you know is wrong -- you are likely to lose to Ken Paxton either way. -- Congressman Greg Casar."

Attorney General Ken Paxton: "I think Hakeem needs a hug. Border is secure, the economy is thriving, and men aren't playing women's sports. It's been a hard year for him."

Abbott Vows to Call Endless Special Sessions as Democrats Flee — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Governor Greg Abbott has escalated a political showdown over redistricting by pledging to call “special session after special session” until fleeing Democratic lawmakers return.

Paxton, Burrows Take Legal Steps to Enforce Arrests of Absent Texas Democrats — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) and House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) have taken legal action to enforce arrest warrants for Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to break quorum and block Republican-backed redistricting legislation.

Paxton Scores win Against O'Rourke & Powered by People — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) over the weekend that his office secured a temporary restraining order against former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D) and his organization, Powered by People.

Proposed Texas Maps Could Set Stage for Comebacks by Former Lawmakers — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — The Republican-led Texas Legislature and it's proposed redistricting plan is drawing attention not just for how it redraws political boundaries, but for how it could open the door for former representatives to reclaim lost seats.

Escobar Accuses Israel of 'Illegal and Brutal Occupation' of Gaza — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — Israel’s security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to occupy Gaza City, which has sparked backlash from Texas Democrats. The decision marks the first phase of an offensive that could eventually extend across the entire Gaza Strip.

EPA Cancels Over $400 Million in Texas Solar Funding — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has canceled over $400 million in federal solar energy funding for Texas, which is part of a nationwide shutdown of the Biden-era Solar for All program.

Ken Paxton Sues Vanguard While Holding Millions in Its Funds — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is touting a legal victory in his high-profile lawsuit against asset management giants BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street. He is accusing them of conspiring to suppress coal production under the guise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. But recently disclosed financial records reveal a stark contradiction, Paxton holds between $1.6 million and $6.25 million in Vanguard mutual funds.

Abbott Vows to Call Endless Special Sessions as Democrats Flee — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield

GOP's Texas map has Austin residents sharing district with rural Texans 300 miles away — By Fritz Farrow and Oren Oppenheim for ABC News

LONESTAR is written by Javier Manjarres and Daniel Molina