Cornyn Urges FBI to Track Texas Democrats

Senator John Cornyn has formally asked the FBI to help locate and potentially arrest Texas Democratic lawmakers who left for states like Illinois and New York to block a GOP-led redistricting vote that could add five Republican seats to the U.S. House. Cornyn alleges possible criminal acts by the Democrats, including abandoning duties and soliciting outside funds, which he says may constitute bribery or public corruption. Governor Greg Abbott has authorized state law enforcement to pursue the legislators and warned that fundraising to pay fines might violate Texas law. Critics, including constitutional law experts and Democratic officials, have condemned Cornyn's request as extreme and politically motivated, noting that Democrats used similar tactics in 2021. The standoff has drawn national attention for its potential impact on the 2026 midterms and partisan control of Congress, with some states reportedly considering counter-moves. Democrats argue the proposed maps would unfairly reduce minority representation.