CHICAGO (AP) — Texas Democrats on Thursday moved closer to ending a nearly two-week walkout that has blocked the GOP’s redrawing of U.S. House maps before the 2026 election and put them under escalating threats by Republicans back home.

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.

Republican leaders announced that if they can't reach a quorum again at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, both the House and Senate will wrap up the special session.