Things are heating up in the Texas redistricting saga as Republican Governor Greg Abbott decided to go all in. On August 5, he filed an emergency petition aimed at ousting the Democratic House leader after House Democrats made a dramatic exit to stop Republicans from reshaping the state’s congressional map.
Over 50 Democratic lawmakers made a strategic move on August 3, fleeing the state to deny the Republicans a quorum needed to push through the redistricting plan they’re hoping to pass with support from President Donald Trump. The GOP is trying to redraw Texas’ 38 congressional districts with the goal of flipping five seats currently held by Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections.
In a bold step, Abbott filed a lawsuit claiming Representative Gene Wu’s conduct amounted to abandonment of his duties, justifying his removal. The governor argues that these actions by Wu and his fellow Democrats openly undermine their responsibilities.
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Abbott further claimed that Wu and the Democrats had allegedly accepted benefits in exchange for skipping the vote, pushing allegations of bribery. The Texas Rangers are now tasked with investigating whether any bribery laws were violated during this political showdown.
In a statement, Governor Abbott expressed frustration: “Rep. Wu and his fellow Democrats have chosen to ignore their responsibilities, leaving the House unable to conduct vital business for Texans. There must be repercussions for this abandonment of duty.” He made his stance clear in a press release.
Responding to the lawsuit, Texas House Democrats retaliated, accusing Abbott of using legal measures as tools to silence his opponents. In a social media post, they stated, “We owe our allegiance to the constitution, not a politician’s agenda.”
Arrest Orders Follow Suit Against Fleeing Lawmakers
Abbott’s legal move is not his only strategy; he previously threatened to arrest absent Democratic lawmakers. Many of them have sought refuge in states like Illinois, New York, or Massachusetts. His march for compliance included civil arrest warrants, authorized by Republican lawmakers during a session in Austin on August 4.
“I’ve directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to find, arrest, and bring back any member who is shirking their duty to Texans,” stated Abbott in his announcement.
However, these arrest warrants have limitations; they apply only within Texas, which means Texas authorities cannot pursue these lawmakers across state lines. Earlier on the same day, Trump weighed in, suggesting that the FBI might need to step in to assist in bringing them back. “Many are calling for their return. They can’t just skip out like this — they have to face their duties,” Trump noted.
Legal Opinions and Fines Looming
Abbott bases his argument on a 2021 opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. This opinion mentions that legislators could be subject to removal for breaking quorum, which qualifies as abandonment of their position.
Paxton shared his insights with Fox News that he anticipates the Texas Supreme Court to have the final say on matters of abandonment, especially given its Republican leaning.
The Texas Democrats currently face a hefty daily fine of $500 for staying out of state, a penalty originally approved after their mass exodus in 2021 over voting regulations, which stalled proceedings for 38 days.
With contributions from Aysha Bagchi and Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY; Reuters
This piece originally featured in USA TODAY: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sues to remove House Democratic leader amid redistricting battle
