The Texas Legislature began a new special legislative session Friday after Gov. Greg Abbott called lawmakers back to deal with congressional redistricting and a host of other issues — laying down a new gauntlet for Democrats who fled the state nearly two weeks ago to halt a vote on a new district map.

Texas Democrats who oppose a controversial Republican-led redistricting plan appear to be shifting strategy from walkout to holding protest rallies.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called a second special session Friday after gaveling out the first 30-day session, hamstrung by fleeing Democrats who left the state.

The former California governor says Trump's plan to rig Texas redistricting maps for Republicans doesn't justify his Democratic successor Gavin Newsom gerrymandering blue seats in retaliation.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Tempe and at the Arizona State Capitol today as part of nationwide demonstrations against redistricting efforts being pushed by Republicans.

The Texas redistricting standoff is reaching a critical juncture. In response, Texas House Democrats have remained outside the state to break quorum and block a vote.

Democratic state lawmakers who left Texas to block controversial new congressional maps backed by President Donald Trump are planning a return to the state early next week, shifting tactics so they can fight the plan in court.