In the wake of dozens of Texas democrats fleeing the state to break quorum at the Capitol, Senator John Cornyn of Texas has sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel encouraging federal cooperation with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and state law enforcement to investigate potential criminal acts, including bribery.
“As a maneuver to avoid legislative responsibilities, on August 3, 2025, many members in the Texas House of Representatives absconded from the state. Their stated goal was to prevent the legislature from properly meeting, in violation of their oath of office,” wrote Cornyn.
On Monday, Governor Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of the democrats who fled in an effort to block a redistricting plan, calling their absence a “dereliction of duty.”
“Out-of-state actors have made public comments about protecting the Texas legislators who are currently hiding out of state from any accountability for their actions. 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,” Cornyn wrote. “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. Specifically, I am concerned that legislators who solicited or accepted funds to aid in their efforts to avoid their legislative duties may be guilty of bribery or other public corruption offenses.”
Along with potential criminal charges in connection to the allegation of bribery, Abbott has also threatened to have the democrats removed from office.
