08.08.2025 22:51

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal action, filing a lawsuit with the state's Supreme Court to vacate the seats of thirteen Democratic state representatives. This dramatic move follows the Democrats' departure from the state last weekend, a protest against a contentious redistricting vote expected to favor the Republican party. The lawsuit represents the latest escalation in the ongoing power struggle.

Paxton's statement strongly condemned the Democrats' actions, labeling them "cowards" and accusing them of undermining the state's constitutional processes and violating their oaths of office. The legal argument centers on the assertion that their absence constitutes an intentional relinquishment of their legislative duties. This isn't an isolated incident targeting just 13 representatives; more than 50 Democrats have left the state to prevent a vote on redistricting, a move that could potentially grant Republicans five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, strengthening their already narrow majority.

This legal challenge follows a similar petition filed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, targeting state Representative Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus. Both actions aim to force the Democrats' return to the state capitol to restore a quorum and allow legislative proceedings to resume. The Texas House Democratic Caucus has been contacted for comment, although a response is pending.

The success of these lawsuits remains uncertain, despite the Texas Supreme Court's entirely Republican composition – all nine justices were appointed by Republican governors, some by Abbott himself. This heavily partisan court composition raises significant questions about the potential for a fair and unbiased legal outcome, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense political situation.