More Anti-Asian Attacks Target Texas Democratic Leader Gene Wu

A Growing Controversy Over Racial and Political Attacks on a Texas Democrat

In late May, the Texas House of Representatives was engaged in a heated debate over a proposal to teach school children about the dangers of communism. During this discussion, Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat and leader of the Texas House Democrats, shared a deeply personal story. He recounted how his family had their land taken by the communist Chinese government during the Cultural Revolution. His father, who was only 13 years old at the time, was sent alone to the fields with the grim choice of either farming or facing death. While his father survived, many others were not so fortunate.

Wu expressed his frustration when people accused him of being a communist spy or questioned his loyalty to the United States. “Our family has been victims of communism for a long time, and we fled to this country as fast as we could,” he said. He was opposing the bill, which he believed could lead to the stigmatization and stereotyping of individuals from communist countries.

For years, Wu has faced accusations from Republicans, including claims that he is an operative of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and that he is working against Texas interests. These allegations have intensified following his decision to leave the state to block the passage of new congressional maps that could give Republicans more seats in the U.S. House. In response, Gov. Greg Abbott filed a petition seeking to remove Wu from office for abandoning his duties.

The national attention surrounding Wu has led to an increase in racist insults, with little to no condemnation from top GOP leaders. State Sen. Mayes Middleton, a Galveston Republican, recently posted on social media: “Is Gene Wu back in China?” This comment came on the first day the House did not reach a quorum due to the absence of Democrats.

Democrats quickly responded, calling Middleton racist and a disgrace. However, Middleton doubled down on Wednesday, accusing Wu of putting China first and Texas second. “If he wants a refresher course on Marxism, I’m sure the CCP will take him back,” he wrote. Despite these comments, there has been no official response from the state’s top leaders, including Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows.

The Impact of Unchecked Racist Remarks

Amatullah Contractor, a member of the Asian American Democrats of Texas, highlighted the danger of unchecked anti-Asian attacks. She noted that in the past, elected officials would swiftly address racist comments. However, when such remarks come from elected officials themselves, it creates a dangerous environment where anything goes.

Rep. Chris Turner, a Grand Prairie Democrat and longtime colleague of Wu, described Wu as someone with remarkable strength and grace. “It’s infuriating and unacceptable,” Turner said. “The people responsible should be ashamed, but in today’s Republican party, there is no shame.”

Republican Party of Texas Chairman Abraham George has referred to Wu as “CCP Wu.” Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French, who recently faced criticism for anti-Semitic remarks, suggested that Wu’s family might have strong ties to the CCP, writing on social media that he was considering a “deep dive” into Wu’s background.

This pattern of unchallenged rhetoric stands in contrast to past instances where similar comments were met with swift backlash. In 2019, former state Rep. Rick Miller ended his reelection bid after making racially charged remarks about Asian candidates. Gov. Abbott withdrew his endorsement, calling the comments “inappropriate and out of touch with the values of the Republican Party.”

In 2022, former Republican Rep. Jacey Jetton condemned remarks by Shelley Luther, a GOP activist who proposed banning Chinese students from Texas universities. These examples show that while some Republicans have spoken out against racism, others continue to spread harmful and unfounded accusations without consequence.

A Broader Conversation About Loyalty and Identity

The controversy surrounding Wu raises broader questions about political loyalty, identity, and the treatment of minority politicians in the public sphere. As the debate over his actions continues, the focus remains on whether the Republican Party will address the growing issue of racial and political attacks or continue to allow them to go unchecked. For Wu, the personal cost of these accusations is significant, but he remains committed to fighting for what he believes is right.