Texas Supreme Court Rejects Governor Abbott's Bid to Remove Rep. Gene Wu Over Quorum Break
The court ruled that the legislature resolved the quorum issue without judicial intervention.
Key Details
The Texas Supreme Court rejected Governor Greg Abbott's petition to remove Representative Gene Wu from office for breaking quorum. Justice Jimmy Blacklock cited precedent that courts should not resolve disputes between branches of government when those branches can resolve them internally.
Background
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers left Texas in August 2021 to prevent the legislature from passing a new congressional map. The map was later passed and approved by the U.S. Supreme Court for the midterm elections.
Abbott argued that Wu abandoned his office by leaving the state. Wu argued he was representing constituents by preventing passage of legislation they opposed.
The court found that the Texas Constitution's internal remedies were sufficient and the court should not interfere.
Statements
Chief Justice Blacklock wrote that "the Texas Constitution's internal remedies were sufficient and the court should not interfere."
Justice Sullivan suggested future quorum breaks might warrant court action.
Representative Wu stated the court ruled that "the constitution does not allow a governor to erase voters' choices."