Ken Paxton Urges Texas Supreme Court to Expel 13 House Democrats Amid Redistricting Crisis

Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken a bold step by asking the Texas Supreme Court to remove 13 Democratic representatives from the state House. This move is aimed at resuming legislative activities and advancing new congressional maps that could favor Republicans.

Previously, Governor Greg Abbott also sought to expel Houston Rep. Gene Wu, who leads the House Democrats. The list of representatives in Paxton’s petition includes notable figures like Reps. John Bucy, Vikki Goodwin, and James Talarico. They left Texas to block the passage of a new congressional map that could give Republicans five additional seats.

Paxton argues that by leaving, these lawmakers have effectively abandoned their offices. He claims their actions are a deliberate attempt to halt legislative processes. However, experts point out that such quorum breaks are not new; they’ve been used since the 1870s in Texas politics. No lawmaker has ever faced expulsion solely for leaving during a quorum.

In similar past instances, courts have ruled that the Texas Constitution supports quorum-breaking. It allows for the legislative bodies to attempt to entice absent members back. Recently, the House even introduced fines for members who do not attend sessions.

In defense, Wu’s team counters that he has not abandoned his duties. They argue that he continues to fulfill his legislative responsibilities. His legal team also claims that the court may not be the appropriate venue for this case, insisting that Wu deserves a jury trial before any possible removal.

Interestingly, Paxton himself hinted earlier that this case might have to unfold in the district courts, which could complicate matters. He mentioned the potential for tackling different legal battles across various districts. In a flip, Paxton contends that the Supreme Court should handle this case directly for a swift resolution.

Statements from representatives like Bucy reflect the defiance of those accused. He asserts that the seat is not Paxton’s but belongs to the people of Texas, emphasizing he’s not backing down from the situation.

If the court does rule these seats vacant, special elections would fill the positions. This scenario would further affect the necessary quorum for legislative actions. Before this, Paxton argued against Abbott’s ability to file this suit, which showcases the ongoing complexities in Texas politics.

Adding another layer to the ongoing legal drama, Paxton announced a separate lawsuit against former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and his fundraising group for allegedly blurring lines between political and personal funds. O’Rourke has since countered, claiming that Paxton is using his position for an unauthorized investigation.

This situation reflects ongoing tensions in Texas’s political landscape, illustrating how legal and political battles intertwine. It’s a reminder of the complex power dynamics at play in legislative bodies and the lengths to which individuals and parties will go to assert their influence.

For more insights into Texas law, you can refer to the Texas Constitution’s official page, which provides direct information about legislative proceedings and lawmakers’ rights.



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