Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has petitioned the state Supreme Court to remove 13 House Democrats, accusing them of abandoning their offices during a redistricting standoff aimed at preventing a GOP-led map from advancing.
On Friday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton requested that the state Supreme Court remove 13 House Democrats who had departed the state to obstruct a Republican-supported congressional redistricting plan, heightening an already strained legislative impasse.
A petition has been initiated in response to Governor Greg Abbott's previous call for the removal of Representative Gene Wu, D-Houston, who serves as the chair of the House Democratic Caucus. Wu is included in Paxton’s filing alongside Reps. John Bucy, Lulu Flores, Vikki Goodwin, Gina Hinojosa, and James Talarico from Austin; Jessica González and Mihaela Plesa from Dallas; Suleman Lalani from Sugar Land; Christina Morales from Houston; Ron Reynolds from Missouri City; Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos from Richardson; and Chris Turner from Grand Prairie.
Paxton contended that the lawmakers “abandoned” their responsibilities by departing Texas last Sunday to obstruct a quorum and hinder the House from progressing on a map that could secure five extra congressional seats for Republicans. He referenced public comments made by members who affirmed their decision not to return, describing it as “a deliberate, coordinated attempt to halt all legislative proceedings.”
Legal experts note that breaking quorum has been a longstanding feature of Texas politics, dating back to the 1870s. The Texas Constitution permits members to exit to obstruct legislation, while chambers can employ “quorum-forcing” strategies to ensure their return. No legislator has faced expulsion solely for such actions.
In 2021, when Democrats organized a comparable walkout, the courts supported the action but permitted fines, which are currently set at $500 per day of absence, according to House rules.
Paxton argued that allowing this tactic at this time would disrupt the delicate equilibrium of legislative authority and result in Texans lacking an operational lawmaking body.
In a separate submission, Wu’s legal team requested that the court reject Abbott’s previous case and contest Paxton’s petition, asserting that Wu remains active in his responsibilities and has not satisfied the legal criteria for removal.
The case's reliance on hearsay has raised concerns, with assertions that it lacks essential due process protections. Furthermore, it has been emphasized that a jury should adjudicate any efforts to remove.
The Texas Supreme Court has yet to announce a timeline for reviewing the petitions.
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