Texas Governor Abbott Seeks Supreme Court Removal of Democratic House Leader Over Quorum Break

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has filed an emergency petition with the Texas Supreme Court seeking to remove Democratic House Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu from office, accusing him and fellow Democrats of abandoning their duties by fleeing the state to block a Republican-backed congressional redistricting plan. This move escalates a political standoff as over 50 House Democrats left Texas to deny a quorum, delaying the legislative process amid a contentious mid-decade redistricting effort driven by President Donald Trump and Republican interests. Abbott argues that the Democrats' absence constitutes an abandonment of office and threatens the state's governance, while Wu contends that their actions fulfill their constitutional oath. Attorney General Ken Paxton has suggested waiting until the House reconvenes before pursuing legal remedies, highlighting a potential intra-party disagreement over timing and legal authority. The situation remains unresolved, with the special session scheduled to attempt a quorum again and the Texas Supreme Court expected to weigh in rapidly. This unprecedented legal and political battle underscores deep partisan divisions over redistricting and legislative control in Texas.