AUSTIN, Texas —

The next flashpoint in the redistricting standoff between Texas Democrats and Republicans is hours away.

Republicans in the state House will convene and attempt to advance efforts to redraw the state’s congressional maps, producing as many as five more U.S. House seats for Republicans and handing President Donald Trump a major victory ahead of the midterms. But it’s still unclear whether enough Democrats will be on hand to establish a quorum.

Both parties are at a crossroads. If Republicans can’t move forward Friday, they may not have enough time to pass the new maps before the end of a 30-day special session, requiring Gov. Greg Abbott to call a new one. Dozens of Democrats, meanwhile, face a decision about how long to stay out of Texas without a clear endgame.

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