| Houston, Texas – Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee has filed an amicus brief with the Texas Supreme Court opposing Texas Governor Greg Abbott's attempt to remove State Representative Gene Wu from office through a quo warranto petition. Representative Wu is among 50 Democratic House members who left the state to prevent a vote on new congressional redistricting maps during the current special legislative session. Menefee noted that Wu has clearly not abandoned his office, and his temporary absence is tied to the special session and he intends to return to represent his district. "Breaking quorum is a well-established political tool used by both parties throughout Texas history. It's not abandonment – no one is permanently giving up their duties. It's a strategy within our democratic system, and Governor Abbott knows it,” said County Attorney Menefee. "These representatives are continuing to work on behalf of their constituents even while using quorum-breaking as a strategic and legal move. They haven't stopped serving their districts – they're fighting for their districts." The brief also argues that Abbott fundamentally lacks legal authority to file the petition. Under longstanding Texas law, only the attorney general or a county or district attorney may initiate quo warranto proceedings to remove elected officials. "The Governor simply doesn't have the authority to do this," Menefee said. "This petition should be dismissed immediately." "At the root of this flawed petition is whether Texas honors fundamental principles of legal authority, separation of powers, and ultimately, the will of voters," said Menefee. "The Harris County Attorney's Office stands in support of those principles." |