How a self-described wallflower came to lead the Texas Democrats’ walkout
The NYT profiles Wu — the shy, snack-stocking Houston juvenile defender turned caucus chair — as the redistricting fight pushes him into the national spotlight.
The New York Times profiled Rep. Gene Wu — a self-described “wallflower,” a Houston lawyer who defends accused juveniles and represents a district that is 86% nonwhite — as the redistricting fight thrust him into the national spotlight leading the Democrats’ walkout.
Facing Abbott’s lawsuit to remove him, $500-a-day penalties, and racist jabs online, Wu was unbowed. Of the push to oust him, he noted a removal would just “provoke a special election, and I will immediately be re-elected.”
Why should destroying our government be easy? It was necessary to send a message that the people of Texas are not going down without a fight. — Rep. Gene Wu
Help Gene win District 137.
Stories like this one are why this seat matters. The campaign runs on neighbors who chip in and knock on doors — both take about a minute to start.
Keep reading
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- Texas Supreme Court rejects Abbott effort to remove Democrats from officeMay 15, 2026 · The New York TimesRead →