The Texas Supreme Court has delayed Governor Greg Abbott’s bid to expel Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block GOP redistricting plans, giving both sides until September 4 to file briefs—well past the current special session. Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, now working together, want Rep. Gene Wu and other Democrats removed for breaking quorum, arguing they should face consequences for the walkout.
The case is unprecedented, as no Texas lawmaker has ever been expelled for leaving to deny quorum. Democrats say their protest is a legitimate response to partisan gerrymandering aimed at securing more GOP seats, while Republicans see it as obstruction. The court’s eventual ruling could set a historic precedent on whether governors can use the courts to punish lawmakers for political protest.
