By Iclal Turan
WASHINGTON (AA) - Texas House Democrats said they will return to the state after the legislature adjourns Friday and California unveils a proposed congressional map aimed at offsetting Republican gains in Texas.
"We will return to the House floor and to the courthouse with a clear message: the fight to protect voting rights has only just begun," they said Thursday in a statement.
“(President Donald) Trump thought he could easily get his way in Texas with compliant Republicans, but Democrats fought back ferociously and took the fight to Trump across America," they added.
State House Democratic lawmakers departed from Texas on Aug. 3, protesting the proposed redistricting plan and denying the chamber its required quorum.
The walkout has triggered retaliation. Last Friday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the state Supreme Court to expel 13 Democrats from the House.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also filed an emergency petition last week seeking the removal of Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu from office.
Texas Senator John Cornyn said last Thursday that FBI Director Kash Patel approved his request for federal agents to assist Texas authorities in locating the absent Democratic lawmakers.