In a statement, the House Democratic Caucus said its lawyers had advised returning “to build a strong public legislative record for the upcoming legal battle” against the GOP’s map.

For now, the map’s fate is in limbo. The Senate has done its part, but the Texas House cannot vote until Democrats return. The deadline for the current special session is August 19. If the House remains without a quorum, Abbott’s next special session could begin immediately, prolonging the standoff indefinitely.

Texas Republicans have launched efforts to redraw congressional maps to secure more GOP seats in the U.S. House