The Texas Supreme Court is reviewing amicus briefs filed in response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency writ of quo warranto seeking the removal of state Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) for participating in a quorum-breaking walkout. Wu is among more than 50 Democrats who fled Texas to block a vote on GOP-backed congressional redistricting.
Abbott’s petition argues Wu abandoned his duties by leaving the state during the special session, preventing the House from meeting quorum. Former U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), himself a former Texas Supreme Court justice, filed a brief backing Abbott, stating that the governor has constitutional authority to bring the petition and that “absconded Democrats must be held accountable” to restore legislative function. Cornyn criticized Attorney General Ken Paxton’s parallel petition, which he said duplicated Abbott’s filing and invited delay.
State Reps. Joe Moody and Mary Gonzalez, both Democrats, submitted a brief defending Wu’s actions as a legitimate political tactic. They argued breaking quorum is comparable to raising a procedural challenge on the House floor and claimed Wu’s constituents support his efforts to “protect their rights” by preventing passage of the redistricting plan. They rejected bribery allegations tied to travel expense donations, saying no quid pro quo exists.
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee also sided with Wu, asserting Abbott overstepped his authority and that a temporary absence with a set return date does not amount to “abandonment” under the Texas Constitution.
Wu, currently in Illinois, framed the case as a fight for democracy, while House leadership continues efforts to compel absent Democrats back to Austin. The absence has left the chamber five members short of quorum, stalling legislation and relief funding for Hill Country disaster victims.
