Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says Democratic lawmakers who skipped town to thwart a controversial redistricting vote deserve to be hunted down and arrested. Attorney General Ken Paxton agrees — though not long ago, both men were accused of dodging accountability themselves.

The latest standoff erupted after more than 50 Texas House Democrats fled the state, aiming to block a gerrymandering effort that could net Republicans five more U.S. House seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Their sudden absence denied the legislature a quorum, stalling votes on the controversial maps championed by President Donald Trump.

Gov. Abbott responded by ordering the Texas Department of Public Safety to track down and arrest the absconding lawmakers — even though state officers have no authority to detain a

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