California Republicans sue to stop Democrat redistricting push as Texas GOP advances similar map changes in high-stakes congressional battle ahead of midterms.

Some Texas state House Democrats are refusing to leave the chamber, after Republicans required them to sign a form allowing Department of Public Safety troopers to follow them.

As state leaders threaten a redraw of their maps, Republicans may have an advantage over their Democratic counterparts due to local laws impeding partisan gerrymandering attempts.

Former President Barack Obama waded into the debate over redistricting in a zoom call with Texas House Democrats on Thursday, warning of a “systematic assault on democracy” spurred by Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps in Texas.

Democrats have struggled to find effective ways to oppose President Donald Trump, and even some Democratic voters describe the party as weak.

Texas Democrats plan to end their walkout over redistricting, returning only if Gov. Abbott concludes the special session, amid ongoing tensions surrounding district redraws.

California state lawmakers have started a series of legislative hearings to advance a partisan plan aimed at winning Democrats five more House seats.