- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a strong warning to Democratic lawmakers who skipped legislative duties.
- Abbott says those who fail to appear by 3 PM CT on August 4 could be removed from office under state law.
- He cited Texas Attorney General Opinion No. KP-0382 as the legal basis for removal.
- The governor also raised the possibility of felony charges for lawmakers who accept funds to avoid penalties.
- “Real Texans do not run from a fight,” Abbott said, accusing Democrats of abandoning their responsibilities.
The Big Picture
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Saturday released a fiery statement vowing to remove from office any Democratic state representatives who fail to attend the Texas House session scheduled for 3:00 PM CT on Monday, August 4, 2025. His remarks follow a coordinated walkout by Democrats aimed at denying quorum to block Republican-backed legislation.
Abbott’s Ultimatum
“Democrats hatched a deliberate plan not to show up for work, for the specific purpose of abdicating the duties of their office and thwarting the chamber’s business,” Abbott said, as posted on X.
The governor announced he would invoke Texas Attorney General Opinion No. KP-0382 to initiate proceedings for removing any legislator who fails to appear, arguing that intentional absence constitutes abandonment of elected office. “That amounts to an abandonment or forfeiture of an elected state office,” he said.
Legal Grounds for Removal
In his full statement, Abbott cited the Texas Constitution and the Attorney General’s 2021 opinion that allows courts, via a quo warranto action, to rule that lawmakers who intentionally break quorum have vacated their seats. If such a determination is made, the governor may fill those vacancies under Article III, Section 13 of the state constitution.
Potential Criminal Charges
Abbott also raised the possibility that fleeing lawmakers may have committed felony offenses. He referenced Texas Penal Code § 36.02, noting that Democrats who solicit or accept funds to avoid penalties may be violating bribery laws. “Charge them too!” he urged in his social media post.
What They’re Saying
Democrats have yet to formally respond to Abbott’s ultimatum. However, in past instances, Democratic lawmakers have argued that such walkouts are a last-resort tactic to defend against legislation they view as harmful or extreme.
Previous efforts to break quorum have centered around issues like voting rights, abortion restrictions, and immigration enforcement—bills that Abbott has made centerpieces of his political agenda.
What’s Next
All eyes are now on Monday’s session. If Democrats fail to appear, Abbott’s next move could include filing court petitions to declare seats vacant and trigger special elections—or pushing prosecutors to consider felony charges. Whether such actions hold up legally may ultimately be decided in Texas courts.
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