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A group of Democratic lawmakers from Texas who initially fled the state to block a controversial GOP-led redistricting plan have now returned to the state’s capital.

Some shit you should know before you read: Roughly two weeks ago, a group of Texas Democratic lawmakers fled the state in an effort to deny the Republican-controlled House a quorum, effectively halting a special legislative session called to pass a redistricting plan they claim is racially discriminatory and unconstitutional. The lawmakers traveled to Chicago, arguing that the proposed congressional maps would cut the voting power of Latino and Black communities. They framed their move as a necessary act of resistance against what they described as an aggressive attempt by Republicans to solidify power ahead of the midterms. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans accused the Democrats of abandoning their responsibilities, not only stalling redistricting but also delaying action on urgent issues like flood relief. In response to the walkout, Republican leaders in the Texas House issued civil arrest warrants for the absent Democrats, aiming to compel their return. However, these warrants held no legal authority outside of Texas, making them largely symbolic while the lawmakers remained out of state.

What’s going on now: In a notable development, Texas House Democrats have returned to Austin, ending a weeks-long standoff that paralyzed the state legislature. Their return comes after the adjournment of the first special session and the start of a second one, which Governor Greg Abbott convened to push forward the stalled redistricting agenda. With enough members now present to restore quorum, the Texas House can legally resume its legislative business, clearing the way for Republicans to advance their proposed congressional maps. While exact attendance numbers vary by source, a sufficient number of Democrats reentered the chamber to meet the minimum threshold required for legislative proceedings.

Democratic lawmakers say their return was not a retreat, but the launch of what they call the next phase in their broader fight against what they describe as a racially gerrymandered map that disenfranchises communities of color. According to Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu, the conditions for their return had been met, including the end of the initial session and coordinated action from other Democratic-led states to blunt the national impact of the GOP redistricting plan. The lawmakers now intend to use their presence in Austin to build a legal record, gathering evidence and official statements that could be used to challenge the redistricting maps in federal court.

This all comes as Republicans are expected to move quickly to pass their proposed redistricting map now that quorum has been restored in the Texas House. The GOP’s plan would give Republicans at least five additional congressional seats, solidifying their political advantage heading into the 2026 elections. Their approach has led to other Democratic states, including California, warning that if they move forward with this, those states may also redraw their maps ahead of the midterms.