Texas House Democrat Leader Gene Wu faces intense criticism after resurfaced comments show him urging Latino, Black, and Asian communities to unite against their shared ‘oppressor’ and ‘take over this country.’

Controversial Podcast Comments Surface

The inflammatory remarks came from Wu’s December 31, 2024, appearance on the ‘Define American’ podcast with Antonio Vargas. Wu argued that various minority groups should recognize they share the same oppressor and unite for political action. ‘The day the Latino, African-American, Asian, and other communities realize that they share the same oppressor is the day we start winning, because we are the majority in this country now,’ Wu stated during the interview.

Wu continued his remarks by claiming these groups ‘have the ability to take over this country and to do what is needed for everyone and to make things fair.’ The comments initially focused on what Wu described as white nationalism driving anti-immigrant sentiment, arguing that many Americans believe ‘God gave America to White people to rule.’

Republican Leaders Respond

Former Texas GOP Chairman Matt Rinaldi condemned Wu’s statements, calling them advocacy for ‘white genocide’ and demanding Wu’s resignation. Rinaldi emphasized that Wu holds significant power as the Texas House Democrat caucus leader, not just as a backbench politician. Other Republicans criticized Wu for deliberately dividing Americans into competing racial subgroups rather than promoting unity.

Damage Control Efforts

Following the backlash, Wu attempted to clarify his remarks, claiming he referred to Republicans as the shared oppressor, not white people specifically. Houston Chronicle reporter Evan Mintz noted that while the viral clip didn’t explicitly mention white people, Wu had discussed white racial anxiety earlier in the same interview. Wu told Mintz that ‘Republicans have spent the past 50 years beating down communities’ when pressed for clarification about his oppressor comments. Wu’s office has not responded to additional requests for comment regarding the controversy.