Courts rejected Paxton’s push to punish Democrats over the 2025 quorum break, including his bid to expel 13 lawmakers
When Texas House Democrats left the state in 2025 to block a new congressional map, Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to expel 13 elected lawmakers, something legal experts said had never been done for a quorum break. He also went after Beto O’Rourke’s political group. A judge blocked that effort, and the all-Republican Supreme Court later rejected the expulsion petitions.
What happened
On Aug. 8, 2025, Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove 13 House Democrats from office, arguing they had abandoned their seats. Legal experts said quorum breaks date to the 1870s and no member had ever been expelled for one. 01
Paxton also investigated Beto O’Rourke’s group Powered by People. On Aug. 19, 2025, El Paso Judge Annabell Perez temporarily barred Paxton from prosecuting the group, writing that he was “attempting to use the legal system to impinge on Powered by People’s constitutionally protected activity.” 02
In May 2026, the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court rejected the petitions to remove the lawmakers. 03
Why it matters
Paxton tried to use the courts to remove elected lawmakers from office and to shut down a political group, and courts refused. 01 02 03
Timeline
- Paxton asks the Texas Supreme Court to expel 13 elected House Democrats
- Judge blocks Paxton from going after Beto O’Rourke’s group, citing constitutionally protected activity
- Texas Supreme Court rejects the push to remove the lawmakers
What the sources show
The El Paso order was temporary and not a ruling on the merits; the Supreme Court decided the matter had been resolved by the Legislature. 02 03
Paxton’s response
Paxton argued the lawmakers had abandoned their offices. 01
Sources
- 01Ken Paxton asks Texas Supreme Court to expel 13 House Democrats over redistricting standoffThe Texas Tribune · Aug. 8, 2025
- 02El Paso judge blocks Ken Paxton from taking legal action against Beto O’Rourke’s political groupThe Texas Tribune · Aug. 20, 2025
- 03Texas Supreme Court rejects Abbott’s request to remove Democratic Rep. Gene Wu from office over redistricting protestThe Texas Tribune · May 15, 2026
Updates and corrections
- Case file published.