Texas GOP Pressures Democrats to Return as Flood Relief, Redistricting Stall

Texas Republicans intensified efforts to compel Democratic lawmakers back to the Capitol, as a Trump-supported redistricting plan remains stalled for lack of a quorum.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) announced the chamber would move forward with votes on disaster recovery bills tied to last month’s deadly floods, which killed at least 137 across Central Texas.

The move is designed to pressure Democrats to return, as their absence continues to block the redistricting plan aimed at flipping five congressional seats in Republicans’ favor.

“The question is simple,” Burrows said. “Will you be in that chair to vote for these critical disaster-recovery bills, or will you be remembered as the one who did not show up?”

Democrats fled the state earlier this month to deny quorum, traveling to states like California and Illinois where Texas officials have no legal power to compel their return. In response, Governor Greg Abbott and GOP leaders have escalated enforcement tactics.

Burrows said the Texas Department of Public Safety has deployed agents across the state, conducting surveillance outside lawmakers' homes and repeatedly contacting them. He also announced plans for a public tip line to locate missing members.

To increase pressure, the House has enacted new penalties for absent lawmakers. Direct deposit has been cut off, paychecks must now be picked up in person at the Capitol, and members must appear physically to request reimbursements or approve newsletters.

The standoff has drawn national attention. California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) warned President Donald Trump in a letter that he would abandon his own proposed redistricting plan, which could create five new Democratic House seats, if Texas halted its effort.

“You are playing with fire,” Newsom wrote, warning the moves could destabilize democracy ahead of the 2026 elections.

Democrats need to flip just three Republican-held seats to reclaim the U.S. House, making the outcome of redistricting efforts in states like Texas and California potentially decisive.