Texas Democrats Again Flee the Capitol

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Democrat legislators fled the house floor to block voter integrity legislation just as the session ended at midnight preventing the passage of the legislation.  

The Democrats desperate move has prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session on election integrity.  This is not the first time Texas Democrats have fled the capital.  

In 2003, Democrats sneaked out of Austin after spending several days discussing ways to derail a GOP redistricting plan. Although three Democrats returned to the Capitol, more than 50 remained in Oklahoma, denying Republicans a quorum needed to conduct business.

Governor Greg Abbott Sunday night issued the following statement regarding election integrity and bail reform legislation:

"I declared Election Integrity and Bail Reform to be must-pass emergency items for this legislative session. It is deeply disappointing and concerning for Texans that neither will reach my desk. Ensuring the integrity of our elections and reforming a broken bail system remain emergencies in Texas. They will be added to the special session agenda. Legislators will be expected to have worked out the details when they arrive at the Capitol for the special session."