Texas Democrats on Monday returned for a second special legislative session after breaking quorum to block a redistricting vote. Why it matters: The move by dozens of House Democrats to leave Texas amid a GOP push to create five more districts favorable to Republicans sparked a nationwide frenzy and fed into a strategy of maximum retaliation.

After two weeks out of state, Democratic lawmakers said they would return to Austin and lay the groundwork for a legal challenge to the GOP’s proposed congressional map.

Texas House Democrats who fled to Illinois and other northern states to block a Republican-led congressional redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump said Thursday they would return to Austin after lawmakers adjourn their current special session on Friday and California Democrats introduce their retaliatory map designed to neutralize the Texas GOP effort.