If Republicans cared about that they'd be impeaching thomas themselves. I know it's state vs federal in the comparison but still Republicans don't care at all about anything other than their own power.
The law says that until the trial is resolved, she just refuse herself from all cases. So they can just import her and then draft their feet before holding the trial, and keep her from ruling in the gerrymandering case. That’s probably just likely since if they do remove her, the governor can appoint her replacement.