Texas Redistricting Showdown Intensifies: Abbott Seeks Lawmaker’s Removal as Quorum Battle Looms

The political standoff over redistricting in Texas has reached a critical juncture, with Governor Greg Abbott pushing for the immediate removal of State Representative Gene Wu as the special legislative session attempts to reconvene Friday. Abbott, a Republican, has formally petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to declare Wu’s office “forfeited” after the Democratic lawmaker, along with others, left the state to deny the quorum needed to vote on a new GOP-proposed congressional map.

The escalating dispute carries significant national implications, as the outcome could influence control of the U.S. House of Representatives in next year’s midterm elections. Democrats currently need to gain only three seats to reclaim the House.

Wu, chairman of the Texas House Democratic caucus, vehemently denies Abbott’s claims, asserting his actions are a constitutional duty to oppose what he calls a “racist gerrymandered map.” He stated, “When a governor conspires with a disgraced president to ram through a racist gerrymandered map, my constitutional duty is to not be a willing participant.”

Abbott’s emergency filing requested a Supreme Court ruling by Thursday evening, ahead of Republicans’ third attempt on Friday to convene the legislature and achieve a quorum. This follows two failed attempts earlier this week, including a Tuesday session where Republicans could not advance the redistricting effort. Former President Donald Trump has publicly backed the GOP’s push, claiming the party is “entitled” to five additional U.S. House seats in Texas.

Amidst the legislative deadlock, Texas Democrats have continued their public campaign against the redistricting efforts, with Senate Democrats holding a news conference in Massachusetts on Wednesday. Concerns over safety also emerged, as threats were reported against House Democrats staying near Chicago, prompting Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to announce an investigation.

Governor Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have been pursuing various legal avenues against the absent Democrats, including civil arrest warrants and investigations into potential law violations. Despite this, Paxton, also a Republican, has indicated that the Governor may not have the sole authority to file the emergency petition directly. U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) has even called for FBI involvement, a sentiment echoed by former President Trump.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.