Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court of Texas seeking the removal of State Representative Gene Wu, who serves as the Texas Democrat Caucus Chair. The action follows a recent incident in which several Texas House Democrats left the state to prevent a quorum and halt legislative business.

"I made clear in a formal statement on Sunday, August 3, that if the Texas House Democrats were not in attendance when the House reconvened at 3:00 PM on Monday, August 4, then action would be taken to seek their removal," said Governor Abbott. "They have not returned and have not met the quorum requirements. Representative Wu and the other Texas House Democrats have shown a willful refusal to return, and their absence for an indefinite period of time deprives the House of the quorum needed to meet and conduct business on behalf of Texans. Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, and there must be consequences."

The lawsuit argues that actions by Representative Wu and other Democratic lawmakers amount to abandonment of office. It also alleges that some members may have received benefits for missing a vote, raising concerns about possible bribery.

A copy of Governor Abbott's lawsuit filing is available online.