Texas Supreme Court Shocker: Governor Moves to Oust Top Democrat Over Quorum Walkout

Texas politics just erupted, sending ripples across the nation.
Governor Greg Abbott has formally asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove Houston Representative Gene Wu, Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, from office.

Abbott’s accusation stems from Wu and more than 50 Democratic colleagues leaving the state to block a vote on redistricting legislation.
The Governor calls it “abandonment of office,” while Wu insists it was “a fulfillment of his oath.”

At stake is a redistricting plan, championed by former President Trump, that could give Republicans five additional congressional seats.
Democrats are using a quorum-denial strategy — fleeing the state to halt the legislative session.

Abbott’s emergency filing references “500 years of common law” and invokes quo warranto, a rare legal tool claiming Wu forfeited his seat.
However, Attorney General Ken Paxton disputes the Governor’s authority, asserting only the AG or local prosecutors can act in such cases.

Paxton also issued his own threat — promising legal action against the absent lawmakers if they don’t return by week’s end.

The case now rests with the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, a close Abbott ally.
The ruling could set a precedent for the limits of political protest and executive power.

If Abbott wins, Wu’s seat would be vacated, triggering a special election.
That could lead to an even stronger Republican advantage in Texas’s congressional map.

This fight isn’t just about one seat — it’s about testing the boundaries between gubernatorial authority and legislative resistance.