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Texas Supreme Court Rejects Abbott Bid to Oust Rep. Gene Wu Over 2025 Quorum Walkout

The ruling underscores that quorum disputes belong first to the Legislature.

Overview

  • Texas' high court, which ruled Friday, denied Gov. Greg Abbott's request to remove Houston Democrat Gene Wu for leaving during the 2025 redistricting fight.
  • Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock wrote that courts should not step into power struggles that the Legislature can resolve on its own.
  • The opinion said House leaders restored a quorum in about two weeks using fines and political pressure instead of court orders.
  • A concurring opinion by Justice James Sullivan warned that future quorum breakers could face a court inquiry through a quo warranto proceeding.
  • In August 2025, more than 50 Democrats left Texas to stall a mid‑decade congressional map pushed by President Donald Trump, and the map later took effect after the U.S. Supreme Court approved its use despite a lower court's racial gerrymandering finding.