Texas House Democrats fled the state to avoid a redistricting vote, prompting Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to threaten their arrest and expulsion if they do not return by Monday afternoon. The Democrats' departure was in response to what they described as a "racist mid-decade redistricting scheme" proposed by Republicans. Abbott criticized the Democrats for fleeing, stating that their duty to vote is not optional. The Texas House must have at least 100 members present to conduct business, and approximately 50 Democrats have left. Abbott warned that lawmakers soliciting funds to evade fines could face felony charges and vowed to use extradition authority to bring them back to Texas.