Texas Democrats are preparing for another day of defiance against Republican Governor Greg Abbott and the state GOP as they confront a controversial redistricting plan. The Texas House is scheduled to meet, with Republican legislators stating that Friday marks the deadline for Democratic lawmakers who have fled the state to return or face repercussions.

House Republicans aim to vote on new congressional maps that could increase Republican representation in Congress, potentially helping the GOP maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Governor Abbott has also asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove Democratic state Representative Gene Wu, the House minority leader, due to the Democrats' ongoing defiance. The court has given Wu until 6 p.m. ET on Friday to respond to the governor's request.

Wu expressed confidence that his caucus would once again deny the legislature a quorum, stating, "We would be willing to come back to Austin if state Republicans promise to focus solely on other issues before the special session, including flood mitigation and disaster preparedness."

Democrats who have left Texas are expected to remain away until August 19, the conclusion of the special session, which would prevent the Texas House from conducting business due to insufficient lawmakers present. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton indicated he is prepared to take legal action against other Democrats if they do not return. He stated, "If they show up today, we’re all happy, we can get our business done, and everybody is good. If they do not show up, we will be in an Illinois courtroom ... [trying] to get them back to the state of Texas, hold them in contempt, and if they refuse to come, hopefully put them in jail."

Paxton dismissed concerns that arresting Democrats might generate favorable public opinion for them, asserting, "I think in Texas, people expect their representatives to go to work."

In an effort to compel absent members to return, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has implemented financial penalties. He sent a memo requiring that any member absent from the special session must collect their monthly paycheck in person, with direct deposits suspended until the House achieves a quorum.

Abbott has called for the arrest of the Democrats, while Republican Senator John Cornyn has urged the FBI to locate the missing lawmakers. In a podcast released Friday, Abbott suggested that if the Democrats continue to obstruct, he may push for the creation of more than five additional congressional seats for the GOP, stating, "We may make it six or seven or eight new seats we’re going to be adding on the Republican side."

Meanwhile, Texas Democrats have relocated to various Democratic-leaning states, including Illinois and California. California Governor Gavin Newsom is scheduled to hold a news conference with these Democrats, alongside Representative Nancy Pelosi and other state leaders, to express their support.

Newsom's office announced that state leaders are considering a potential statewide ballot measure to reaffirm California’s commitment to independent redistricting. This measure would allow voters to adjust the state’s congressional map temporarily if Texas or other Republican-led states manipulate theirs.

California Democrats are also preparing to respond to the proposed new congressional districts from Texas Republicans by potentially targeting five GOP-held districts in California. However, the California Secretary of State's office warned that if legislators do not act quickly, it may become nearly impossible to conduct a statewide election that meets federal standards.