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    Democratic Leaders Urge Texas House Members to Deny Quorum; Paxton Threatens Arrest

    Paxton vows legal action as Jeffries, Holder, and DNC Chair rally Texas Democrats to resist redistricting session.

    Summary: National Democratic leaders including Hakeem Jeffries, Eric Holder, and Jaime Harrison are reportedly urging Texas House Democrats to deny quorum during a redistricting special session, in what they see as a counter to Trump-aligned GOP efforts. Texas AG Ken Paxton responded by threatening to arrest any lawmakers who flee the state, prompting sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

    What’s happening

    According to Quorum Report, high-profile Democrats are privately encouraging Texas state lawmakers to break quorum during Governor Greg Abbott’s special legislative session. The session is aimed at redrawing Congressional districts—a move critics say is designed to entrench Republican power and support former President Trump’s 2026 prospects.

    Sources told the outlet that House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Attorney General Eric Holder, and DNC Chair Jaime Harrison were scheduled to speak to Texas Democrats in closed-door briefings. Their message reportedly included urging lawmakers not to assist in the GOP’s redistricting plans that could affect national representation and impeachment thresholds.

    Paxton’s response

    Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton posted a blunt warning on X, threatening arrests for any Democratic legislators who attempt to avoid the session by fleeing the state:

    “If Democrats ignore their duty to their constituents by breaking quorum, they should be found and arrested no matter where they go. The people of Texas elected them to do a job, not run away and hide like cowards.”

    Paxton also stated that his office “stands ready to assist local, state, and federal authorities in hunting down and compelling the attendance of anyone who abandons their office and their constituents for cheap political theater.”

    Newsom hits back

    California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Paxton’s rhetoric in a sharp rebuttal posted on X. In a short message, Newsom accused the Texas Attorney General of authoritarian behavior:

    “Nothing screams democracy quite like threatening to arrest elected officials. Keep it up, Ken. Really showing the American people your true colors.”

    The dispute underscores broader partisan clashes over legislative power, federal representation, and the future of redistricting laws. While it remains unclear whether Texas Democrats will act on the encouragement to walk out, Paxton’s statement has already escalated tensions on the national stage.

    (Follow Virginia Times at gnbnow.com for more news updates)

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