(The Hill) -- The decision by Texas Democrats to flee the state has ratcheted up tensions and started a new phase in the redistricting war around the country.

Democrats from the Lone Star State’s legislature fled to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts starting Sunday to avoid giving Republicans the quorum needed to pass a highly unusual effort for partisan, mid-decade redistricting that could benefit them in next year’s midterms.

In response, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) ordered the arrest of the “delinquent” Democrats, not long after Republicans in the state House passed a motion directing officials to bring them back to the state under warrant.

“Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans,” Abbott said in a statement Monday afternoon. “By fleeing the state, Texas House Democra

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