Democratic lawmakers left the state of Texas in an effort to temporarily block Republicans from redrawing its congressional maps – a redistricting initiative pushed by President Donald Trump. (Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
News of the lawmakers' imminent return to the state comes on the same day that Texas Senate Republicans were able to get the new congressional maps approved. They must now be passed in the House before Republican Gov. Greg Abbott can sign them into law.
Earlier this week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows indicated they would adjourn the special legislative session this Friday if Democrats had not returned by then.
ABBOTT VOWS INDEFINITE SPECIAL SESSIONS, SAYS FLEEING DEMS COULD FACE ARREST ‘FOR LITERALLY YEARS’
Meanwhile, Abbott has signaled plans to immediately call a second consecutive special session and has teased that he may also add additional agenda items.
Texas has become a flashpoint for the debate over partisan gerrymandering. (Getty Images)
The effort led to Abbott ultimately calling three consecutive special legislative sessions, with the election security bill passing during the second one in August.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-democrats-begin-crack-confirm-return-state-after-fleeing-obstruct-gop-redistricting