Texas Republicans on Monday moved to resume efforts to push through redrawn U.S. House district maps designed to give their party an expanded advantage in the 2026 midterm elections. Their push comes as state Democrats signaled they were ready to end a two-week walkout.

At the same time, Democrats in California are advancing their own congressional map changes in an effort to offset Texas, creating a rare mid-decade redistricting clash that could have sweeping national implications. 

The redrawing effort in Texas had been on hold since August 3, when dozens of Democratic lawmakers left the state to prevent a quorum. Most of them traveled to Illinois. The absent members indicated they were prepared to return to Austin after Republican Gov. Greg Abbott concluded a special legislative session, and as California unveiled its own plan.

The Texas House was scheduled to attempt to convene a quorum again on Monday.

Redistricting normally occurs once each decade following the census, but the moves by both Texas and California mark an unusual mid-cycle battle. Many states, including Texas, allow legislators to directly draw political boundaries, while California entrusts the task to independent commissions.

The outcome of the fight carries national weight. Democrats are currently within three seats of a U.S. House majority, and only a limited number of districts are considered competitive. Even minor changes in the congressional maps of large states could tip the balance of power.

In Texas, Republicans are pursuing maps that could secure them as many as five additional seats. In California, where Democrats hold supermajorities in the Legislature, party leaders last week unveiled a proposal that could add a similar number of seats to their column. Any changes there would still require approval from lawmakers and voters. Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that California will hold a special referendum on November 4 to decide on the redrawn districts.

“The nation’s two most populous states have been at the forefront of the resulting battle, which has reached into multiple courtrooms and statehouses controlled by both parties,” the Associated Press notes.