The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Aug. 11, 2025
In protest of Congressional redistricting maps blatantly manipulated by the Texas Assembly to gerrymander five more GOP seats, more than 50 Democratic legislators fled the state to prevent a quorum and block the new maps. Arrest warrants have now been issued for the Texas House Democrats who fled.
August 8th, Governor Greg Abbott told NBC News he was searching for, and preparing to arrest Democrats for refusing to attend the special session. Aug. 5th, Abbott also petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to remove Democratic Caucus chair Representative Gene Wu from office, asking the court to rule on whether he had QUOTE, “forfeited the office of state representative and created a vacancy,” UNQUOTE. Attorney General Ken Paxton petitioned to remove Wu and 12 others.
Texas U.S. Senator John Cornyn was granted FBI support in locating legislators who fled to Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and other states hoping to run out the clock on the Texas Assembly’s special session. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker vowed he would protect visiting legislators in his state, and said there is no federal law allowing authorities to make such arrests.
President Donald Trump said in an interview with CNBC, QUOTE, “We are entitled to five more seats,” and “we may have to” get involved.
We will follow these developments in the coming days. See the legislators’ arrest warrant and more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – A Gerrymandering War is Breaking Out Before the 2026 Midterms with Both Sides Threatening to Cheat on Their Maps
Texas Tribune – The Texas redistricting fight spurring a legislative standoff: What you need to know
Texas Tribune – Texas Democrats know they may lose redistricting protest, but hope to spark a national fight
NBC News – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott moves to amp up the pressure on Democrats who fled in redistricting standoff
Supreme Court of Texas – Petition by Gov. Greg Abbott
Illinois 8th Circuite Court – Arrest Warrant for Texas Legislators in Illinois
The Hill – Pritzker says ‘no way’ FBI can arrest Texas lawmakers in Illinois
Texas Tribune – Cornyn says FBI will help locate absent Texas Democrats, but scope of feds’ role unclear
Groups Taking Action:
Fair Maps Texas, Common Cause TX, Represent.Us Texas,
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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