Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has filed a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court seeking to vacate the seats of 13 Democratic lawmakers who left Texas to block a Republican-backed redistricting plan. The suit argues the lawmakers’ absence, coupled with their refusal to heed arrest warrants, constitutes abandonment of office.
In 2023, Paxton was cleared of corruption charges but still faces multiple legal risks.
The targeted legislators include Ron Reynolds, Vikki Goodwin, Gina Hinojosa, James Talarico, Lulu Flores, Mihaela Plesa, Suleman Lalani, Chris Turner, Ana-Maria Ramos, Jessica Gonzalez, John Bucy III, Gene Wu, and Christina Morales. Paxton accused them of “deliberately sabotaging the constitutional process.”
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has already filed a separate case seeking Wu’s removal. Several Democrats responded defiantly, with Bucy calling the move an effort to “cling to power and subvert the will of millions” and Talarico challenging Paxton to “come and take it.”
Republicans are pressing Democrats to return so they can complete the special session and pass a House map projected to give the GOP five additional pickup opportunities in 2026. Tactics have included calls for arrests and requiring lawmakers to collect paychecks in person.
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