When democracy is under attack, real leaders stand and fight. But what happens when those sworn to defend it are the ones running away? Sound familiar? Across America, we’re seeing elected officials abandon their posts when things get tough. The latest example from Texas shows just how far some politicians will go to avoid their basic job—showing up to vote.
This isn’t about partisan fights or heated debates. This is about representatives doing what voters sent them to do. Even when they know they’ll lose. That’s democracy, right?
Get this—more than 50 Democratic state lawmakers just fled to Illinois rather than vote on redistricting. Governor Greg Abbott isn’t having it. His message was crystal clear: “This truancy ends now.” He’s threatening to remove these lawmakers from office if they don’t return by Monday at 3 PM. And he’s got the law on his side.
When Duty Calls, Democrats Run
Let me get this straight. The Democrats’ walkout plan is supposed to save democracy? By running away? These legislators shut down the Texas House by denying a quorum—that’s the minimum 100 members needed to do business. Their target? A redistricting plan that could give Republicans five more U.S. House seats in 2026.
Instead of debating or offering changes, these Democrats ran. They didn’t just leave the building. They fled the entire state! Now they’re hiding in Illinois where Governor JB Pritzker promised to “protect every single one of them.” Protect them from what—doing their jobs?
Abbott’s not just talking tough. He sent letters to every runaway lawmaker. Here’s where it gets interesting. He says those raising money to pay their $500 daily fines might face felony charges. That’s right—bribery charges for dodging accountability.
From ‘The Post Millennial’:
“This truancy ends now,” Abbott wrote in a letter sent to each absent lawmaker. He cited a 2021 opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, which said courts could determine whether lawmakers forfeited their offices by fleeing the state to obstruct legislative duties. If a court rules that the seats are vacant, Abbott would be authorized to appoint replacements.
You read that right—bribery charges. When did running from your job become a fundraising opportunity?
Blue State Sanctuary for Political Fugitives
So now we have sanctuary states for politicians who won’t work? I’ve seen a lot, but this is new. Illinois is harboring Texas legislators who refuse to show up. One state messing with another state’s business should worry every American who believes states should run themselves.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called it like it is. He wants authorities to “hunt down those who think they are above the law.” The Democrats shot back with “Come and take it.” Real mature, guys.
Here’s what kills me. These same Democrats cry about “threats to democracy” every chance they get. But who’s really threatening it? The ones following the rules or the ones running to Chicago?
What we’re watching isn’t democracy in action. It’s democracy under attack by the very people elected to protect it. When legislators flee instead of vote, when they fundraise to dodge fines, when they hide in other states—what message does that send? They don’t care about constituents or the constitution. They care about power.
This mess goes way beyond Texas. What happens if Democrats win by running away? Why have elections if you can just leave when you don’t like the results? The 2026 midterms hang in the balance. So does something bigger—the idea that in democracy, we settle fights with votes, not empty chairs.
What do you think happens next when politicians learn they can just run away instead of doing their jobs?
Key Takeaways
- Texas Democrats fled to Illinois to block a redistricting vote
- Governor Abbott threatens to remove absent lawmakers from office
- Fundraising to pay truancy fines could bring felony charges
- Blue state governors are harboring political fugitives from red states
Sources: The Post Millennial, Newsweek
