After leaving Texas for Illinois to prevent a legislative vote on a Republican redistricting plan, state House Democratic leader Gene Wu needed a means to project his voice — and viewpoints — to a national audience. So he tapped his campaign account to buy a microphone for news conferences.

The rogue lawmakers were given a 3 p.m. Monday deadline to return to chambers. Gov. Abbott asked the Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday to remove Houston Representative Gene Wu- who is the chair of the House Democratic Caucus- from office. Gov. Abbott said these instances give sufficient grounds to vacate Rep. Wu’s seat.