Texas Democrats return to the Capitol, ending the two-week quorum break

The Texas House gaveled in with a quorum for the first time in two weeks as Democrats returned to Austin, ending their walkout over the GOP’s mid-decade congressional map and clearing the way for its passage. More than 50 members had left for Illinois and elsewhere to stall the map — demanded by President Trump and drawn to give Republicans five more U.S. House seats.

Republicans had answered with civil arrest warrants, extradition attempts, and investigations, and returning members now face an around-the-clock DPS escort. But Democrats framed the walkout as a win — killing the first special session and spurring blue states like California to counter with their own maps — and said the fight now moves to the courts.

We’re returning to Texas more dangerous to Republicans’ plans than when we left. — Rep. Gene Wu