John,

Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott threatened to remove Texas House Democrats from office.

Why? Because more than 50 Democratic lawmakers left the state to break quorum and block a Republican redistricting scheme designed to flip five Democratic-held U.S. House seats.

The GOP’s goal is clear: to lock in a permanent majority by manipulating district lines and silencing voters—particularly communities of color. Democrats, in response, have taken a courageous stand against this power grab.

Now, Abbott is retaliating. He said that any Democratic House member who remains out of state past 3 p.m. today could face legal removal from office. He’s also floated felony charges for those receiving help to cover the daily $500 fines they face if they don’t return.¹

This is authoritarianism in real time. And unless we act now, they could get away with it.

These lawmakers are risking everything—their seats, their safety, their futures—to protect free and fair elections in Texas. And we need to have their backs.

Will you chip in $3 to Powered by People and support these Democrats in their fight to protect democracy? Your contribution helps fight back against Abbott’s threats and stop this undemocratic redistricting plan.

DONATE $3

This isn’t just about Texas—it’s about whether partisan lawmakers can silence voters and redraw the rules whenever they’re losing.

The Republicans are betting they can outlast us. Let’s prove them wrong.

1 — Texas Tribune