Texas Democrats ended their walkout and returned as Republicans advance a redistricting plan that would likely create five new GOP congressional seats.

Texas Democrats who fled to Illinois to block a GOP-led congressional redistricting plan said they would return after lawmakers adjourn Friday and California Democrats introduce their retaliatory

Some Texas House Democrats confirmed they were leaving after the first special session in the Lone Star state ended Friday, and as California's own redistricting maps were expected Monday, meeting both the conditions laid out for their return.

The departure marked the end of a nationally-watched standoff between the lawmakers and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who pushed the remap plan at President Donald Trump’s urging in a bid to add five more Republican seats in the U.

John Bucy’s older daughter “seemed a little frustrated” with him this week when he wasn’t home to take her to school for her first day of kindergarten. The Texas House lawmaker from Austin hopes one day she’ll understand.

A bid to establish a ballot initiative in 2026 to reform the redistricting process for Illinois state legislative map-making has kicked off, led by former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley and ex-Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The gambit has triggered a national redistricting war, with governors of both parties threatening to initiate similar efforts in other states.

Texas Democrats staying in Illinois were evacuated from their hotel on Wednesday morning over a potential bomb threat, authorities said.

No matter what California does, Texas will still lose two Black congressional members. That's still unacceptable, said state Rep. Aicha Davis, D-DeSoto.

Gov. JB Pritzker in Springfield on Aug. 6 called the Texas House Democrats who fled the state for Illinois to thwart a Republican quorum to vote on a controversial congressional redistricting plan "heroes (who) are standing up for democracy."

An Adams County judge ruled his court “does not have the inherent power to direct Illinois law enforcement officers” to round up the Texas lawmakers.