GOP Senator: FBI Hunting for 'Runaway' Texas Democrats

The FBI is assisting Texas law enforcement in locating Democrat state lawmakers who fled the state to prevent the GOP from enacting a redistricting plan, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) announced on Thursday.

This move follows Cornyn’s letter to FBI Director Kash Patel.

In the letter, the senator requested federal assistance in tracking down the lawmakers after they potentially violated the law by refusing to attend the special session.

The Texas Democrats’ walkout has created a standoff between state and federal authorities over the legitimacy of their actions.

“I am proud to announce that Director Kash Patel has approved my request for the FBI to assist state and local law enforcement in locating runaway Texas House Democrats,” Cornyn said in a statement.

“I thank President Trump and Director Patel for supporting and swiftly acting on my call for the federal government to hold these supposed lawmakers accountable for fleeing Texas.

“We cannot allow these rogue legislators to avoid their constitutional responsibilities.”

The showdown comes as President Donald Trump has strongly supported Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps.

The redistricting is expected to give Republicans an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections.

Meanwhile, Democrats have continued mounting similar efforts in blue states.

Dozens of Democrat lawmakers fled Texas over the weekend to block a vote on the plan in the state House.

They refused to return to the state legislature in order to prevent the passage of the new redistricting plan.

Democrats are outraged as the new map could see Republicans gain as many as five seats in the U.S. House.

Among those impacted by the move is radical Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), who could lose her seat in Congress.

The departure of the “runaway” Democrats has led to a disruption of the special session.

As intended, their absence denies the quorum needed to conduct legislative business.

Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the arrest of the lawmakers who refuse to return, also filing a lawsuit to remove House Caucus Chair Gene Wu from office, as he led the walkout effort.

In his letter to Patel, Cornyn wrote:

“Abbott and Texas state law enforcement officers are doing what they can within the confines of the law, but federal help may be necessary.

“These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable.”

This dramatic request for FBI involvement comes as Cornyn faces a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Paxton has taken a hardline stance on the issue.

Paxton has warned that he will begin removing the Democrat lawmakers from office if they fail to meet a Friday deadline set by the state House speaker.

Paxton has also initiated an investigation into a group led by Democrat Beto O’Rourke, which is reportedly funding the runaway Democrats.

Democrats have criticized the GOP’s reaction, arguing it’s an attempt to stop gerrymandering.

Former Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), who is running for Senate in 2026, slammed Cornyn’s actions in response to the move.

“This isn’t about ‘locating’ anyone — they’re not hiding,” Allred said in a post on X in response to Cornyn’s announcement on Thursday.

“It’s about silencing dissent and weaponizing law enforcement.

“Cornyn is deputizing the FBI, and Paxton is trying to expel lawmakers because they’re both too weak and corrupt to stand up to Washington.

“Enough is enough — Texans deserve better.”