Texas House Democrats drew national attention this summer when they fled the state to block a GOP redistricting plan that could add five Republican seats in Congress. The Texas Supreme Court, composed entirely of Republicans, is now weighing whether Democratic caucus chair Rep. Gene Wu and others can be removed for breaking quorum. Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, once split over authority, are united in seeking consequences, while Wu’s attorneys argue leaving the state was a political tactic, not a resignation, and that only a two-thirds House vote can remove him.
Meanwhile, Republicans passed HB 18 to deter future walkouts. The bill bans fundraising during quorum breaks and fines violators $5,000 per donation, aiming to stop lawmakers from profiting while stalling legislative business.
