AUSTIN (Nexstar)-- Texas Democratic lawmakers remained out of the state Thursday as Republican leaders escalated legal threats to force their return, with Gov. Greg Abbott petitioning the Texas Supreme Court to remove at least one legislator from office and the FBI now involved in locating the absent lawmakers.

Abbott filed a petition seeking to remove House Democratic Chair Gene Wu, D-Houston, alleging he forfeited his office by leaving the state. Wu has until 5 p.m. Friday to respond to the petition.

Attorney General Ken Paxton has vowed to begin removal proceedings for other absent lawmakers on Friday if they don't return to Austin by then.

Despite mounting pressure, Texas Democrats appear undeterred by the threats.

"We must march forward," said State Rep. Mihaela Plesa, a Dallas De

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