The Texas Supreme Court has expedited the case by Governor Greg Abbott against state Rep. Gene Wu (D), who led a coalition of Democrats to flee the state in an attempt to break quorum and avoid a vote on redistricting that would likely make them lose House seats. 

Abbott is attempting to vacate Wu's seat using a provision in the state constitution due to his absence from the special session, and following a ruling by the court that he could pursue such action.

The court is requiring Abbott to file his brief by August 2o. Respondents have an August 29 deadline, and the governor has until September 4 to file a reply, if necessary.

Once that final deadline has passed, the court can deliberate and prepare its ruling.

"Closer to consequences"

Abbott posted the order on X, saying the Democrats were "closer to consequences" for their abdication of duty.

"My lawsuit in the Texas Supreme Court against the ring leader of the derelict Democrats in the Texas House goes to the next level," he wrote.

My lawsuit in the Texas Supreme Court against the ring leader of the derelict Democrats in the Texas House goes to the next level.

Closer to consequences for Texas Democrats running away from their duties and spending the summer in California and Illinois. pic.twitter.com/bWlmhPMTL7

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 12, 2025

Abbott filed the lawsuit last week after Texas House Democrats flew to Illinois on a luxury jet to prevent the chamber from reaching a quorum.

A lawsuit against 13 other lawmakers who fled the state was filed on August 8 by state Attorney General Ken Paxton.

If this lawsuit succeeds, these rogue lawmakers will also be replaced by Abbott appointments.

Abbott vows to persist

Democrats said the redistricting plan was unfair and "threatened democracy," a key phrase used whenever Democrats don't get their way on something they want to do.

In reality, the redistricting plan better represents the distribution of voters in Texas, despite Democrats' protests.

Abbott has said he will keep calling special sessions until Democrats show up. The plan to vacate Wu's seat could lead to Abbott being able to appoint a Republican to take his place.

The hope is, without Wu's ringleadership, Democrats won't have the guts to break quorum again, and the redistricting bill will pass.