Texas Democrats Continue Walkout as Trump Floats FBI Intervention

Texas House Democrats on the 5th continued their legislative boycott to protest Republican-led redistricting efforts, prompting President Trump to suggest federal law enforcement might need to intervene.

For the second consecutive day, the Texas House adjourned without quorum due to Democratic absences. Republican Senator John Cornyn called for FBI assistance to locate and return the missing lawmakers.

When asked about potential FBI involvement, Trump told reporters: "We may have to do that."

While congressional redistricting typically occurs decennially post-census, Texas Republicans accelerated the process just five years after the last revision—a move championed by the Trump administration to bolster GOP advantages in the 2026 midterms.

With Republicans dominating the state legislature, Democrats resorted to leaving Texas en masse after exhausting procedural options. Over 50 representatives' absence on the 4th left the House short of its 100-member quorum. Though Speaker Dade Phelan issued civil arrest warrants, Texas lacks extraterritorial jurisdiction to enforce them without local cooperation.

The partisan redistricting push has triggered nationwide repercussions. California Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders vowed reciprocal actions should Texas proceed with its gerrymandering plan.