This week, Isaiah Martin, a 27-year-old Democrat running for the 18th Congressional District of Texas, was arrested and forcibly removed from a redistricting session at the Texas State Capitol for expressing disapproval of Republican politicians.
At the July 24 hearing of the Texas House Congressional Redistricting Committee, Martin accused members of seeking President Trump’s endorsements and condemned the GOP-led map redraw as unlawful gerrymandering.
There are a lot of you Republicans and I can tell you understand the game by the way you look. “You must secure Trump’s support,” Martin stated. These days, being a Republican is all about that. And you are all well aware that Trump stated his desire for five seats to each and every one of you.
Rep. Cody Vasut ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove Martin after he went over what seemed to be a two-minute speech limit. Martin is seen on camera speaking even after his microphone was cut and he was forcibly dragged out of the room by officers, one of whom appeared to lie on top of him to hold him in place. Martin yelled at the politicians, “You have no shame!” as he was being pulled out. and you could not even be remembered by history!
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports that Martin was detained at approximately 7 p.m. and charged with criminal trespassing, resisting arrest, and disturbing a public meeting. Before being released, he was detained for more than twenty-four hours after being booked into Travis County Jail. All accusations were later dropped, according to confirmation from his campaign.
I was imprisoned by the Republican Party for having the gall to speak up.Twitter: https://E2VApKHWgO.
Following his release, Martin said in a statement, “This happened because I had the audacity to speak the truth.” And what do you know? To the people of Texas, I would do it all over again. Since passionately worded letters won’t help us get out of this jam, we need to have the fortitude to face the consequences.
Concerns about mid-decade gerrymandering to support Republican gains in the 2026 midterm elections have been raised by the redistricting proposal, which Governor Greg Abbott reportedly added to the agenda in response to pressure from the Trump administration. Although it is uncommon, redrawing congressional maps outside of the typical 10-year census cycle is permitted by the Texas Constitution.
Martin says he is not going to let his campaign falter and that he intends to continue speaking out: “They can try to silence me, but I won’t stop fighting.”
