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Texas redistribution hearing falls into chaos
Isaiah Martin, a Democrat who runs in Houston’s 18th Congressional District, had to be detained and removed from a House Committee hearing on Thursday’s reflexive criticism after the time he testified. (Isaiya Martin via Storyful)
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Tensions erupted at the Texas State Capitol on Thursday night. That’s when a Democratic Congressional candidate was forced to be removed and arrested during a volatile rezoning hearing.
Isaiah Martin, who ran for Houston’s 18th Congressional District, ignored repeated warnings that he would stop speaking after testimony accusing Republicans of digging up the rezoning process to appease President Donald Trump.
Video from the hearing shows that Martin collapses when he is pulled out of the room by authorities.
“History doesn’t remember you for what you did! That’s a shame!” he cried, prompting a gasp that could be heard from the crowd. He was accused of resisting arrest, trespassing criminally, and disrupting public meetings.
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Isaiah Martin, the Democratic candidate for Texas 18th Congressional District, faces sergeant at a hearing at Texas Capitol in Austin on Thursday after refusing to surrender during a fierce exchange with Republican lawmakers. (Texas House)
Martin was released from the Travis County Jail Friday, and all charges were dropped. He later posted a video to X, who thanked X for his supporters and pledged to continue his remarks.
Martin began his testimony on Thursday by challenging the legitimacy of the hearing.
“It seems like a lot of people are sitting here in their movements, and it makes sense because the game is equipped,” he said.
He then accused Texan Republican of gerrymandering at Trump’s request.
“You have to get Trump’s support, and that’s the name of the game that will be a Republican recently,” Martin said. “Trump said you need five seats for each of you. But the real conversation we should have is… there’s retaliation for that.”
Martin cited the Blue State, who he claimed to be redrawing the map accordingly.
“Governor Kathy Hochul said she would hire Republicans,” he said. “The same thing happens in New Jersey.”
Martin also attacked Texas leadership over economic issues.
“We live in an affordable state… Despite the fact that your Republican has been in office for nearly 30 years, property taxes are rising,” he said.
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Isaiah Martin, the Democratic candidate for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, was forced to eliminate by a sergeant at an Austin hearing on July 24, 2025, after refusing to make concessions after fervent testimony criticizing Republican lawmakers and President Donald Trump. (Isaiya Martin via Storyful)
Criticizing the timing of the rezoning process, he added, “After one of the worst massive casualties events in state history, you choose to leave their seats and go.”
Rep. Cody Vassat, chairman of the House District Committee, tried to get the order back, but Martin refused to surrender.
“No, I’m not finished. I… I’m not finished!”
Martin then turned his anger towards Trump.
“I can thank you for your mistakes, for the old men, for the aging, for the president of the Epstein Party for all the work we are trying to do to each of you,” he said. “You did this, you caused this, and this is the result of you and your work.”
Vasut has directed state legislators to remove Martin. The audience cried out, “Get off him!” as Martin was dragged out of the room.
Martin continued to scream, “America will stand up to you!”
The committee resumed without commenting on the confusion.
Texas State Capitol in Austin. Isaiah Martin was arrested for refusing to make concessions during testimony on Thursday. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Neither Martin’s campaign nor Gov. Greg Abbott’s office responded to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
Abbott previously described the rezoning effort as a compliance move following a court ruling against the Union District.
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In a July 7 letter cited by the Dallas Examiner, the Department of Justice flagged TX ‑ 18 as one of Texas’ four legislative districts.
Trump publicly called on state lawmakers to secure five additional Republican House seats through rezoning.
The map remains unfinished, with hearings continuing on Saturday in Houston and Monday in Arlington.
Paul Steinhauser of Fox News contributed to this report.
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