Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday petitioned the state Supreme Court to remove Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, from office. The unprecedented move is part of Republicans’ broader effort to restore legislative activity and pass a new redistricting plan that could provide them with up to five additional congressional seats.

Over 50 Texas House Democrats fled the state to deny a quorum, effectively halting the redistricting process. The effort, which comes mid-cycle, was encouraged by former President Donald Trump, despite earlier hesitation from parts of Texas’ Republican congressional delegation. Wu, leading the walkout, denounced the session as “corrupt” and pledged to stay out of state until it concludes.

In his petition, Abbott argued that Wu’s conduct constituted abandonment of office, thereby justifying his removal. “If a small fraction of lawmakers can shut down the government, they can do so every session,” Abbott wrote. Wu countered that his absence was in defense of constitutional principles, not an abdication of duty. Republicans, however, highlighted that Democratic-led states have long practiced aggressive gerrymandering.

Attorney General Ken Paxton challenged Abbott’s move, arguing that only the attorney general or local prosecutors are legally authorized to initiate a quo warranto proceeding to remove an elected official. Nonetheless, Paxton warned he may pursue legal action against the absent Democrats if they fail to return by Friday.

Abbott later defended his petition by citing provisions in the Texas Constitution and centuries of common law precedent. The Texas Supreme Court—entirely Republican and led by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, an Abbott appointee—will now decide whether the case proceeds.