Rep. Katrina Pierson says Democrats who fled the state to block redistricting votes should face consequences, as Gov. Abbott seeks Supreme Court intervention.

Greg Abbott on Tuesday asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove Houston Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, from office, an unprecedented escalation in Republicans’ efforts to resume business in the Legislature and advance new congressional maps.

The lawsuit filed with the state Supreme Court argues that Rep. Gene Wu violated Texas' Constitution and that his absence amounted to an abandonment of office.