The FBI is assisting Texas law enforcement in locating Democrat state lawmakers who fled the state to prevent the GOP from enacting a redistricting plan, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) announced on Thursday.
This move follows Cornyn’s letter to FBI Director Kash Patel.
In the letter, the senator requested federal assistance in tracking down the lawmakers after they potentially violated the law by refusing to attend the special session.
The Texas Democrats’ walkout has created a standoff between state and federal authorities over the legitimacy of their actions.
“I am proud to announce that Director Kash Patel has approved my request for the FBI to assist state and local law enforcement in locating runaway Texas House Democrats,” Cornyn said in a statement.
“I thank President Trump and Director Patel for supporting and swiftly acting on my call for the federal government to hold these supposed lawmakers accountable for fleeing Texas.
“We cannot allow these rogue legislators to avoid their constitutional responsibilities.”
The showdown comes as President Donald Trump has strongly supported Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps.
The redistricting is expected to give Republicans an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections.
Meanwhile, Democrats have continued mounting similar efforts in blue states.
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