Texas Democrats Evacuate Chicago Hotel After Bomb Threat

Texas Democratic lawmakers staying in an Illinois hotel were evacuated after being subject to a bomb threat on Aug. 6.

“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,” the caucus wrote on X.

The lawmakers traveled to the Chicago suburb of St. Charles to avoid a quorum in the Texas House of Representatives as Republicans look to pass a redistricting map that would potentially give the GOP five extra U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterms.

“At 7:15 a.m. Wed, Aug. 6, St. Charles PD, Fire and [Kane County] Sheriff bomb squad responded to a report of a potential bomb threat at the Q-Center (1405 N. 5th Ave). Approx. 400 were evacuated as bomb squad searched—no device found. All cleared & guests/staff safely returned,” the town’s police department wrote on X.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wrote on X that he was aware of the bomb threat.

“Threats of violence will be investigated and those responsible will be held accountable. I have instructed @ILStatePolice to ensure we maintain public safety,” he said.

Texas Democrats said on X that they will not be deterred.

“This morning there was a bomb threat at our hotel. We were evacuated and everyone is safe,” said state Rep. John Bucy III, adding that “Texas Democrats won’t be intimidated.”

“A bomb threat this morning forced an evacuation—because of dangerous Republican rhetoric,” said state Rep. Ann Johnson, referring to statements by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has said he will look to remove lawmakers who are not back in Texas by Aug. 8.

Paxton said in an Aug. 3 post on X: “Democrats in the Texas House who try and run away like cowards should be found, arrested, and brought back to the Capitol immediately. We should use every tool at our disposal to hunt down those who think they are above the law.”

Paxton also said in a statement on Aug. 5: “Democrats have abandoned their offices by fleeing Texas, and a failure to respond to a call of the House constitutes a dereliction of their duty as elected officials.

“Starting Friday, any rogue lawmakers refusing to return to the House will be held accountable for vacating their office. The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you don’t show up to work, you get fired.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott filed a lawsuit on Aug. 5 to remove state Rep. Gene Wu, chairman of the Texas House Democrats, from office.