Cornyn Urges Texas Supreme Court to Act on Quorum-Breaking Lawmakers

John Cornyn

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) has filed an amicus brief in the Texas Supreme Court backing Governor Greg Abbott’s emergency petition to remove a state legislator who fled Texas to break quorum during a legislative session. The brief argues that the Court has jurisdiction to hear the Governor’s petition through a writ of quo warrant. A legal action used to challenge an individual's right to hold public office.

In his filing, Sen. Cornyn wrote, “Having fled the state to prevent a quorum in the Texas Legislature, Respondent and other absconding legislators are blocking official legislative business.”

He emphasized that the Court’s precedent supports such a petition and noted that “Governor Abbott is a proper petitioner.”

Cornyn also pointedly criticized Attorney General Ken Paxton for what he described as a delay in taking action.

“Governor Abbott filed this petition... after the Texas Attorney General delayed taking action to remove the absconding legislators,” he said.

The amicus brief calls on the Texas Supreme Court to act swiftly to restore legislative order, stating that the Court is the proper venue to resolve the matter.

“The Texas legislators who have absconded... must be held accountable and a quorum restored so that official government business can proceed,” Cornyn added.

Earlier this week, Cornyn also sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel urging federal coordination with Texas authorities to investigate potential criminal acts, including bribery, related to the lawmakers' departure.

He later announced that the FBI had agreed to assist Texas law enforcement in locating the absent legislators.

The quorum-breaking walkout, led by Texas House Democrats, drew national attention amid debates over election legislation. While some legal scholars have questioned whether courts can remove sitting legislators for political actions, the petitions and supporting briefs signal an escalation in legal and political efforts to respond to the walkout.

The Texas Supreme Court has not yet ruled on whether it will take up the Governor’s petition.

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Government. She enjoys reading, writing, and cooking in her spare time.