More than 50 Texas House Democrats have been out of state for four days, halting the legislative process and blocking the quorum needed to vote on a Republican-backed redistricting plan.

In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, and Attorney General Ken Paxton are turning up the heat—threatening legal action and seeking federal help to bring the lawmakers back.

Civil warrants issued, but limited in power

Speaker Burrows has signed civil arrest warrants for the absent Democrats. However, these warrants are only enforceable within Texas borders, limiting their impact.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Paxton has stated his intention to ask a court to declare the Democratic seats vacant—raising eyebrows among legal scholars and constitutional experts.

Can the seats

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