Texas Governor Abbott Sues Democrat Rep Wu Over Redistricting Dispute

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has filed a lawsuit to remove Democrat Rep. Gene Wu from office, calling him the "ringleader" of a quorum-breaking walkout. Wu has responded, calling Abbott's actions unconstitutional and politically motivated. The dispute is part of a broader redistricting showdown in Texas, with the future of the state's democracy at stake.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken legal action to remove Democratic Rep. Gene Wu from office, accusing him of leading a quorum-breaking walkout by Democrats to block a vote on Republican-backed congressional redistricting plans. Abbott filed an emergency petition with the Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday, claiming Wu has forfeited his elected position and that his actions, along with those of other House Democrats who left the state, constitute abandonment of their office, justifying their removal [1].

The dispute is part of a broader redistricting showdown in Texas, with the future of the state's democracy at stake. The Texas House of Representatives failed to reach a quorum for the second day in a row due to the absence of dozens of Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to forestall the vote. Abbott has argued that Democrats can be legally removed from office if they don't show up, citing a non-binding 2021 opinion by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton [1].

Rep. Wu, who represents Houston and serves as Democratic caucus chair, has responded to Abbott's lawsuit, accusing the governor of using "the law as a weapon to silence his people." Wu defended his decision to flee the state to forestall the vote, stating that his actions were "a matter of principle" [2].

The legal battle comes as the Texas House is trying to redraw the state's congressional districts to add five seats favoring Republicans. The proposal, which could potentially eliminate five Democratic US House seats, has sparked controversy and political tension. Abbott and other Republicans are seeking to redraw the map to make five US House seats more favorable for the GOP in next year's midterm elections [2].

The Texas Supreme Court has asked for the case to be held until Friday, which is the deadline that state House Speaker Dustin Burrows set for Democrats to return to the chamber and establish quorum. The court's decision could have significant implications for the ongoing redistricting showdown and the political landscape in Texas [2].

References:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/texas-gov-greg-abbott-files-lawsuit-to-remove-rep-gene-wu-houston-redistricting-showdown/
[2] https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/texas-democrats-redistricting-house-quorum-08-05-25