HOUSTON, Texas – On Wednesday, the Texas House Democratic Caucus stated that a threat had been made against its members’ safety.
Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu, Mexican American Legislative Caucus Chair Rep. Ramón Romero, and Texas Legislative Black Caucus Chair Rep. Barbara Gervin Hawkins released the following statement:
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“This morning, a threat was made against the safety of the members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus. We are safe, we are secure, and we are undeterred. We are grateful for Governor Pritzker, local, and state law enforcement for their quick action to ensure our safety.”
Rep. John Bucy posted on X that there was a bomb threat made to the hotel where some of the Texas Democrats were staying in Illinois on Wednesday morning.
“This is what happens when Republican state leaders publicly call for us to be hunted down,” Bucy said in the post.
This morning there was a bomb threat at our hotel. We were evacuated and everyone is safe.
— Rep. John Bucy III (@BucyForTexas) August 6, 2025
This is what happens when Republican state leaders publicly call for us to be “hunted down.”
Texas Democrats won’t be intimidated. pic.twitter.com/DI9FtHY9nr
The threat comes after the Texas House Democrats left the state on Sunday to block the passage of a controversial new redistricting map that would fulfill President Donald Trump’s desire to add up to five more Republican congressional seats in the U.S. House.
The move is called “breaking quorum.” The Texas House requires 100 members present to conduct business, but it only has 88 Republicans. It needs Democrats in the room, even if it doesn’t need their votes, to enact the new map.
Since leaving the state, dozens of Democrats have scattered to Chicago, New York and Boston and have since also faced escalating threats from Republicans who have signed civil arrest warrants and mobilized state troopers.
On Tuesday, Trump suggested having the FBI help bring back the Texas Democrats, who have not said how long they are prepared to hold out.
The special session ends Aug. 20, but Gov. Greg Abbott has the authority to keep calling lawmakers back to the Capitol for 30-day special sessions to pass the redistricting bill and any other item he believes should be addressed.
The current special session agenda includes help for communities devastated by the July Fourth floods that killed at least 136 people. As part of their walkout, Texas Democrats have accused Republicans of prioritizing the politics of redistricting over flood victims.
Associated Press contributed to this report.