Texas Democrats who left the state in a bid to block redrawn U.S. House maps have responded to Republican Governor Greg Abbott's threat to remove them from office if they don't return by Monday afternoon.

Abbott said the lawmakers may be committing a felony by fundraising to pay the fines incurred for vacating their posts.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) threatened to remove Texas House Democrats from the Legislature after they left the state Sunday in a bid to stop Republicans from proceeding with a redistricting effort that would give the GOP five more opportunities to gain seats in the 2026 midterms.