Republican Judges Side with Texas Democrats Who Fled State
The highest court in Texas rejected efforts by the Republican Party and Governor Greg Abbott to severely punish 50 Democrats who fled the state last year in an attempt to block a vote on new congressional maps.
An all-Republican bench sided with the state lawmakers, who left for New York, Illinois, and other states, finding they did not abandon their seats as Abbott and other local GOP leaders claimed, leading to calls for the Democrats’ arrests.
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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 8:51 AM.