Abbott moves to dismiss fleeing Texas Democrats from office

Gov. Greg Abbott acted to remove Texas Democrats from office after they refused to return to Austin, leaving the House without quorum and further stalling a Republican-drawn congressional map.Why it matters: Democrats appeared undeterred by Republicans' threats — despite facing possible political backlash, fines and legal challenges.They're using every tool left to block a redistricting plan that could lock in a Republican advantage for years.State of play: Abbott announced Tuesday evening that he is taking "emergency action" through a filing with the state Supreme Court. A 2021 legal opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton provides a possible legal basis for removing lawmakers who intentionally break quorum through quo warranto proceedings. Abbott gave House Democrats a deadline of 3 p.m. CT on Monday.What they're saying: "Fearing one of eighteen items on the Special Session agenda, Democrat members of the Texas House claim an entitlement to abdicate their official duties by refusing to show up for work," Abbott wrote in the petition.Catch up quick: More than 50 Democratic lawmakers left Texas to prevent the GOP from holding a vote in the state House on a new congressional district map. The vote — a response to a President Trump-led move to rewrite the districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections — could net Republicans up to five seats in Houston, Austin and Dallas. Texas House rules require two-thirds of lawmakers — or 100 out of the 150 elected positions — to be present for any vote. Republicans hold 88 of the seats, Democrats have 62.The big picture: Texas is at the center of a rare mid-decade redistricting push — part of a broader Republican strategy to reshape congressional maps ahead of a high-stakes election year.The effort is being met with forceful resistance from Democrats determined to block what they see as a partisan power grab.Between the lines: The redistricting vote is part of a special session that was also set to address THC regulation and flood recovery following the deadly July 4 disaster in Central Texas — priorities now sidelined by the walkout.Reality check: Any removal from office is likely to trigger legal challenges.What's next: If the Democrats don't return by Aug. 19, the session ends with no votes — and Abbott would need to call another one.More from Axios:What Abbott can do about Texas Dems leaving the stateCivil warrants issued for Texas Dems who fled stateThe repercussions of Texas Democrats fleeingTrump: FBI "may have to" help bring back Texas Democrats

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