Texas Gov. Abbott orders arrest of Democrats who skipped town to avoid redistricting vote

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state authorities Monday to arrest dozens of House Democrats who fled to Illinois rather than stay for a vote on redrawing the state’s congressional map.

“Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans,” Abbott said in a statement. “By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty.

“Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber. To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans. This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol.”

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.