Texas Gov. Greg Abbott filed a lawsuit on Aug. 5 seeking the removal of state House Democratic chair, Rep. Gene Wu, after dozens of Democratic lawmakers fled the state to block a Republican-backed redistricting vote.
The governor filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court of Texas to remove Wu from office, calling him “the ringleader” of the Democratic lawmakers who left the state.
“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 p.m. on Monday, August 4, then action would be taken to seek their removal,” Abbott said. “Texas House Democrats abandoned their duty to Texans, and there must be consequences.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (L) and Texas Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (R) listen as Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu speaks to reporters during a press conference at the DuPage County Democratic Party headquarters in Carol Stream, Ill., on Aug. 3, 2025. Scott Olson/Getty Images
This story will be updated with additional details.
