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.

Gov. Greg Abbott asked the Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday to remove House Democratic Caucus chair Rep. Gene Wu of Houston. The lawsuit filed by the governor’s office comes hours after Attorney General Ken Paxton made a similar threat Tuesday afternoon.