For years, Texas Rep. Gene Wu has faced racist smears and loyalty attacks because of his Chinese heritage. But now, those attacks are escalating — and they’re coming from elected officials inside the Texas Capitol.

In recent weeks, Republican lawmakers and party leaders have accused Wu of being a “communist spy” and a Chinese government operative, despite the fact that his own family fled Communist China after surviving the Cultural Revolution. His father was just 13 when he was sent into the fields alone and told to “farm or die.” That’s the history Wu brought to the House floor during debate over an anti-communism education bill — only to be mocked, smeared, and subjected to more racist rhetoric.

State Sen. Mayes Middleton, now running for attorney general, asked online if Wu was “back in China.” He later doubled down, accusing Wu of putting “China first and Texas second,” and suggesting the Chinese Communist Party might “take him back.” The state GOP chair and other officials have echoed these attacks. And the top Republican leaders in Texas — Governor Abbott, Lt. Gov. Patrick, and Speaker Burrows — have said nothing.

This isn’t just politics. It’s dangerous. Asian Americans in Texas are the fastest-growing racial group. When public officials stoke anti-Asian hate, they fuel the kind of bigotry that leads to violence — and silence only makes it worse.

In 2019, when a Republican state lawmaker made racist comments about Asian candidates, Governor Abbott pulled his endorsement. In 2022, Republican leaders condemned anti-Chinese remarks about college students. That standard must still apply today.

We call on the Texas Legislature to immediately expel or censure any elected official who promotes anti-Asian hate — starting with those targeting Rep. Gene Wu. No one should be allowed to hold public office while spreading racist lies about their colleagues.

Add your name if you believe racism has no place in state government.

[Photo Credit: Credit: Jamie Kelter Davis for The Texas Tribune]