Texas Democratic State Lawmakers Flee To Washington, D.C.

(Washington, DC) — Dozens of Texas Democrats are in Washington, D.C., after walking out of a special session of the legislature to prevent a vote on an election integrity bill.

The lawmakers fled the state so they wouldn’t have to vote on the bill, which is expected to pass and be signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. They say they’ll stay in D.C. until the special session ends in Texas. Republican Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan released a statement saying, “The Texas House will use every available resource under the Texas Constitution … to secure a quorum.”

Gov Abbott says the Democrats are harming Texans who want to see property tax relief, foster care funding, and law enforcement support. Abbott also criticized Democrats for using private jets to leave Austin and has threatened to have them arrested when they return.