Texas Governor Greg Abbott has filed a lawsuit with the state’s Supreme Court to remove Democratic Representative Gene Wu from office, citing dereliction of duty. Wu was among more than 50 Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to prevent a vote on Republican-led redistricting legislation. The walkout denied the Texas House the quorum needed to proceed with official business.
In his legal filing, Abbott argued that Wu’s decision to leave the state during a constitutionally mandated session amounts to a forfeiture of office. The lawsuit asks the court to formally strip Wu of his position for failing to perform his elected duties. The governor emphasized that this is not a matter of political disagreement but a fundamental issue of governance.
“What is at stake here? Nothing less than the future of Texas,” Abbott wrote. “If a small fraction of recalcitrant lawmakers choose to run out the clock today, they can do so for any, and every, Regular or Special Session, potentially bankrupting the State in an attempt to get their way.” He continued, “Texans simply do not have a representative government” when elected officials refuse to show up.
The legal complaint also accuses Wu of soliciting donations to pay the $500-per-day fine incurred for missing the session. Abbott’s team claims that fundraising under these circumstances amounts to bribery, a charge that could carry legal implications beyond the political theater.
At the heart of the standoff is a redistricting map expected to favor Republicans by adding five new congressional districts considered likely to elect GOP candidates. Former President Donald Trump voiced his support, saying Texas Republicans are “entitled to five more seats” and reaffirming his belief that he had significant support in the state.
Wu responded with a sharply worded statement, framing his absence from the Capitol as an act of resistance. “Let me be unequivocal about my actions and my duty,” Wu said. “When a governor conspires with a disgraced president to ram through a racist gerrymandered map, my constitutional duty is to not be a willing participant.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom weighed in on the situation, warning of a possible retaliatory redistricting effort in his state if Texas Republicans move forward. Newsom said such a response would be put before voters in November, hinting at a broader partisan escalation across state lines.
The core issue is whether elected officials have the authority to abandon legislative responsibilities in protest and still retain their office. When representatives choose political theater over attendance, the democratic process breaks down. Voters deserve active representation, not absences made on principle. Legislatures do not function when participation becomes optional.
