Texas Democrats Rage At GOP
“Come and take it.” That was the bold message from Texas Democrat Rep. Jolanda Jones, defiantly responding to threats of arrest from Texas officials after she and dozens of fellow Democrats fled the state in an attempt to sabotage a Trump-backed redistricting plan.
The move, widely criticized by conservatives as an undemocratic stunt, was meant to block a vote on a common-sense redistricting bill that would rebalance representation in line with Texas’s booming population — and ensure election integrity heading into 2026.
Abbott: “They Forfeited Their Seats”
On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott made it clear: “These lawmakers abandoned their responsibility. They’ve forfeited their seats, and legal consequences will follow.” Attorney General Ken Paxton is also calling for arrests, though the Democrats fled to liberal-run states like New York, where enforcement is complicated.
Jones brushed off the warnings, claiming Texas has no legal reach. “This is smoke and mirrors,” she said during a press conference with New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D).
Trump’s Leadership Looms Large
President Trump has called for an end to Democrat gamesmanship, urging GOP-led legislatures to take a stand for fair elections and voter trust. The redistricting push, backed by Trump, would expand Republican representation from 65% to potentially 80% — matching Texas’s solid support in the 2024 election, where Trump won by a commanding margin.
Democrats Admit: It’s About Power, Not Process
In a rare moment of candor, Jones admitted that Democrats aren’t fleeing for principles — they’re fleeing for survival. “Our voters said if we don’t block this vote, they’ll primary us,” she confessed. “We’re listening to our base.”
Critics say that’s precisely the problem: Democrats are listening to political pressure, not the voters of Texas.
History Repeating? Texas Won’t Be Another North Carolina
Jones warned that what happened in North Carolina — where Republicans legally flipped the congressional map — could happen again in Texas. “We won’t let Texas be steamrolled,” she vowed.
But many conservative voters see through the rhetoric. In their eyes, it’s not about justice — it’s about blocking Trump, silencing conservatives, and rigging the rules before the next big election.
BOTTOM LINE:
Texas Republicans are standing firm. With the backing of Trump and the people of Texas, GOP leaders are preparing to bring lawless lawmakers back to the table — whether they like it or not.
