National

Republican Judges Side with Texas Democrats Who Fled State

By Dan Gooding Newsweek
Conservatives Gather In Dallas For Annual CPAC Conference. Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a discussion at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center on March 27, 2026 in Grapevine, Texas.
Conservatives Gather In Dallas For Annual CPAC Conference. Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a discussion at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center on March 27, 2026 in Grapevine, Texas. Brandon Bell Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The highest court in Texas rejected efforts by the Republican Party and Governor Greg Abbott to severely punish 50 Democrats who fled the state last year in an attempt to block a vote on new congressional maps.

An all-Republican bench sided with the state lawmakers, who left for New York, Illinois, and other states, finding they did not abandon their seats as Abbott and other local GOP leaders claimed, leading to calls for the Democrats’ arrests.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.

Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a discussion at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center on March 27, 2026 in Grapevine, Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a discussion at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center on March 27, 2026 in Grapevine, Texas. Brandon Bell Getty Images

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 8:51 AM.

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER