Democratic lawmakers in Texas returned to the state on Monday, ending a two-week walkout that broke quorum and temporarily blocked Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps at the behest of U.S.

Chants of “This is what democracy looks like” rang through the Texas State Capitol as several House Democrats returned Monday after a weeks-long standoff. Supporters lined the halls, cheering and waving signs as lawmakers made their way back into the chamber.

The Texas House gaveled in at noon with Democratic members present, marking an official end to the quorum break.

The move will allow Republicans to move forward with their plan to redraw Texas' congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Republicans are reportedly moving forward with redistricting efforts in Florida, Ohio, and Missouri, while Democrats look at maps in Maryland and California.

RCP senior elections analyst Sean Trende, who advised Virginia's post-2020 redistricting, said Democrats may regret redrawing California's maps in response to a controversial move from Texas Republicans. With many blue states already "maximal gerrymanders," Trende explained how the GOP has a lot...

High-stakes redistricting battles unfold in Texas and California as Republicans and Democrats push new congressional maps ahead of 2026 midterm elections.