A political earthquake just hit the Lone Star State — and the shockwaves are being felt across the country.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has officially asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove Houston Rep. Gene Wu from office — the current Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. Why? Because Wu and over 50 House Democrats left the state, blocking a vote on redistricting legislation.
Abbott called it “abandonment of office.” Wu said it was “a fulfillment of his oath.” The courts? They’re now in the hot seat.
The redistricting plan, strongly pushed by former President Trump, could hand the GOP five new congressional seats. But Democrats are fighting back with a dramatic quorum-denial tactic — leaving the state to shut down the legislative session
Abbott’s emergency legal filing cited “500 years of common law” and invoked an obscure legal provision called quo warranto, used to argue that Wu has forfeited his position. Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton pushed back on Abbott, saying only the AG or local prosecutors have that authority.
But Paxton didn’t stop there. He threatened legal action against the missing lawmakers himself if they don’t return by the end of the week.
Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, a known Abbott ally, now leads the all-Republican court — and this showdown could set a massive precedent for the future of political protest and legislative power.
What happens if the court agrees with Abbott?
Gene Wu’s seat could be declared vacant. That means a special election… and potentially a much redder Texas map.
This isn’t just about one Democrat. This is about how far a Governor can go — and whether the courts will side with power or protest.