Case To Remove Dems Who Fled State Begins
Democrats Leave Texas to Block GOP Map
In August, dozens of Texas House Democrats fled the state to stop Republicans from passing a new congressional map that,
under pressure from Donald Trump, could add five GOP seats.
Their only option as the minority was to “break quorum.”
Abbott and Paxton Push Back
Gov. Greg Abbott asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove Democratic caucus chair Rep.
Gene Wu from office.
He called Wu the “ring leader of the derelict Democrats.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton, once at odds with Abbott over jurisdiction,
now vows to “hold these cowards accountable.”
Wu’s Defense
Wu’s lawyers argue his actions reflect his constituents’ wishes.
“His presence in another state is not a voluntary resignation,” they wrote, noting he has not been expelled by the required two-thirds vote.
New Punishments Proposed
Republicans advanced House Bill 18 to fine lawmakers $5,000 per donation raised during quorum breaks.
Rep. Matt Shaheen warned the current system “creates a financial incentive to break quorum.”
