Texas Democrats return home after redistricting row

Texas Democratic lawmakers have returned to the state capital after a weeks-long absence that prevented Republicans from establishing a quorum to vote on redistricting plans. The Democrats claim victory in delaying the Republican-led effort to redraw electoral maps, which they argue would strengthen the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2026 election. Governor Greg Abbott has already called another legislative session to approve the redistricting plans, while Democratic-led states are preparing their own redistricting efforts to potentially offset Republican gains.