Texas Governor Greg Abbott is threatening to arrest Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a vote that has big implications for which party will control the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026.

At least 51 Democrats have run away, trying to stop a redistricting plan that could help Republicans win up to five more House seats in those midterm elections.

A refusal by Texas lawmakers to show up is considered a civil violation of legislative rules. So the Texas House has now approved a measure to find and arrest the Democrats who did not appear for a special session. However, the civil warrants only apply within state lines.

Texas Rep. Jolanda Jones, who has fled to New York, taunted Abbott, saying, “Subpoenas from Texas don’t work in New York, so he can’t come and get us. Subpo

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