A growing number of Republicans are taking issue with Gov. Greg Abbott’s string of unilateral executive orders in response to the Chinese coronavirus, urging the Supreme Court of Texas to overturn his executive order extending early voting in the November election.
Though numerous lawsuits have been filed in the last several months in relation to Abbott’s orders, this latest suit carries some big names, including Republican Party of Texas Chairman Allen West, the Texas GOP, and Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.
It is the latest lawsuit filed by Houston-area conservative activist Steve Hotze and led by Republican Attorney Jared Woodfill, who were joined by current and former elected officials as well as grassroots conservative leaders.
In a statement to Texas Scorecard, Woodfill had harsh words for Abbott, accusing him of “[forgetting] that the Texas Constitution is not a document that he consults at his convenience.”
“It is an uninterrupted charter of governmental structure that limits Governor Abbott’s ability to act as a king. If the Texas Supreme Court allows this structure to erode, so too does the promise of liberty. Given the extraordinary circumstances Texans have faced over the past seven months, it is shocking that Governor Abbott has continued to unilaterally suspend laws while refusing to convene the Texas Legislature,” Woodfill told Texas Scorecard.
“When Governor Abbott first ordered the closure of restaurants, schools, and businesses he deemed “nonessential,” Abbott said every option, including a special session, remained on the table,” Woodfill added. “The special session has not occurred, and Governor Abbott has reversed course, stating that a special session is not necessary. Governor Abbott does not have the authority to unilaterally make life-and-death decisions that have destroyed businesses, robbed individuals of their life savings, and stolen the liberty all Texans enjoy under the Texas Constitution. We are hopeful that the Texas Supreme Court will right this wrong.”
A copy of the lawsuit may be viewed below. Texas Scorecard will continue reporting as developments occur.
