Abbott Asks State Supreme Court to Remove Texas House Democratic Leader Over Quorum Break

‘Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, and there must be consequences,’ Gov. Greg Abbott said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a press conference in Houston on Sept. 13, 2022. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott filed a lawsuit on Aug. 5 seeking the removal of state Rep. Gene Wu, who chairs the Texas House Democratic Caucus, after dozens of Democratic lawmakers fled the state to block a Republican-backed redistricting vote.

The Texas House requires two-thirds of its 150 members to be present to pass legislation. More than 50 Democratic lawmakers left the state on Aug. 3 in a bid to block the Republicans’ congressional redistricting plan.