Lawmakers will return when the legislature ends a special session and California releases its own redistricting plan, both of which are set to happen on Friday.

F ormer President Barack Obama on Thursday joined a virtual meeting with Texas House Democrats who left the state to deny Republicans the ability to pass newly drawn GOP-favorable congressional maps, cheering on their efforts and stressing their work comes at a critical time in the fight against partisan gerrymandering.

Texas House Democratic lawmakers signaled on Thursday they are preparing to end their standoff over redistricting and return to the state.