Cornyn presses FBI to help Texas bring back Democrats who left state

Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R) is pressing the FBI to intervene to help the GOP bring back the state House Democrats after they left on Sunday to stop Republicans from advancing its new congressional map. 

Cornyn sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday urging the agency to take “any appropriate steps” to help law enforcement find or arrest the lawmakers who left the state to deny the state House quorum and prevent it from being able to conduct business in the special legislative session that Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called. 

Since some Texas Democrats left for other states like Illinois and New York, Cornyn said the Texas Department of Public Safety may need help in tracking them down and arresting them. Abbott ordered their arrests on Monday after the state House was unable to conduct business, arguing they violated their oath of office. 

“In a representative democracy, we resolve our differences by debating and voting, not by running away,” Cornyn said. 

“I request the FBI’s assistance, as federal resources are necessary to locate the out-of-state Texas legislators who are potentially acting in violation of the law,” he said. “The FBI has tools to aid state law enforcement when parties cross state lines, including to avoid testifying or fleeing a scene of a crime.” 

Texas state law institutes a $500 fine per each day the lawmakers intentionally don’t attend the special session. Abbott has also ordered an investigation into whether they have violated bribery laws in accepting assistance from others to cover the cost of the fines. 

Cornyn echoed those bribery concerns. He said this matter is time-sensitive, as Abbott called a 30-day special session to vote on the new redistricting map, which could net Republicans five additional seats in the U.S. House in the 2026 midterms. 

Cornyn didn’t mention the redistricting effort in the letter but cited that the legislature needs to address the recent flooding that happened in Texas, which claimed more than 100 lives. 

“These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable,” Cornyn told Patel. “I urge you to work with Texas public officials to provide them the support they need.”