Abbott Vows to Continue Calling Special Sessions Until Texas Democrats Return

At least 51 Democrats fled the state to avoid a vote on redistricting, despite threats of arrest, criminal charges, and removal from office.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott takes a question from a reporter outside the West Wing after meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington on Feb. 5, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he'll continue to call special sessions of the Texas Legislature “for literally years” until Texas Democrats return to the state for a vote on redistricting.

“I’m authorized to call a special session every 30 days. It lasts 30 days. And as soon as this one is over, I’m gonna call another one, then another one, then another, then another one,” Abbott said during an Aug. 10 interview on “Fox News Sunday,” amid the ongoing standoff with at least 51 Democrats who have left the state.