Texas Democrat Jasmine Crockett is said to have suggested a possible workaround to establish new legislation that could prevent Republican-leaning house maps from gaining traction, which could grant the GOP five additional seats in the upcoming midterms.
Over 50 Democrats had departed from Seongju as part of a protest against the GOP’s fine of $500 a day imposed on each member for failing to participate. In an interview with Texas Tribune, published just days prior to the demonstrations, Crockett proposed that these fines could be addressed by accepting donations as a sort of “extra salary.”
Crockett further commented that financial assistance might not even be necessary, stating, “The first step is to ensure you have lawyers available to legally challenge these regulations.”
In a recent announcement, Texas Governor Greg Abbott instructed the Texas Rangers to investigate House Democrats “absconding” from the state, calling for a probe into their actions, which he claimed were linked to possible bribery and other legal issues stemming from their quorum refusal.
On Tuesday, Crockett appeared in a video dismissing Abbott’s comments as simply “a lot of noise,” referring to the Texas Republicans as “weak.” She implied that they hoped Democrats would just take the hit and express gratitude, saying, “I’m here to tell you otherwise,” while framing the legislative fight as a heroic stand.
Crockett was among the many Texas legislators who had previously disrupted quorum rules during a showdown over a voter ID bill, which Abbott had signed into law in 2021. That year, arrest warrants were issued for Crockett and her Democratic colleagues who chose to leave the state. She showcased her framed arrest warrant on Instagram, asserting that Abbott’s call for investigation was unfounded noise.
This outspoken lawmaker has often stirred controversy, previously condemning maps put forth by Republicans that altered her district boundaries and limiting democratic representation. A press release from Abbott’s office emphasized that many absent Democrats may have active financial support to evade legislative responsibilities. Texas law stipulates that accepting funds for the purpose of skipping legislative duties could lead to violations under bribery statutes.
While there are regulations preventing Democrats from using campaign funds to cover fines, an insider revealed to the Tribune that a legal strategy was discovered to facilitate funding for the members, although specific details were not disclosed.
Additionally, some congresspeople, including Democrat Greg Casar, have urged for a high-level resistance against GOP initiatives, aligning with a report from the Tribune. Reapportionment efforts appear to be reshaping districts such that they may lean more Republican, potentially impacting future elections.
On a related note, Republican Senator John Cornyn requested federal assistance to ensure accountability for legislators skipping quorum. His opponent in the upcoming Republican primary, Attorney General Ken Paxton, has voiced strong support for the measure to apprehend the absent Democrats.
Recent analysis indicates that changes in Texas districts could notably benefit Republicans in the 2026 midterms, suggesting they might maintain control of the House. No immediate comments were available from the offices of Crockett or Casar regarding this ongoing situation.
