Texas Republicans are poised to advance new congressional maps as early as Wednesday. The state House is set to reconvene, with a vote on the redistricting plan expected soon. This comes amid protests from Democrats who oppose the GOP's tactics.

The proposed redistricting plan aims to create five additional Republican-leaning House districts ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. The House could vote on the measure Wednesday, while the Senate may follow with a vote as early as Thursday. However, the timing of the House vote remains uncertain, as a lengthy debate could delay proceedings.

Democrats, relegated to the minority, have limited options to halt the passage of the maps. They have been vocal in their opposition, particularly against House Speaker Dustin Burrows' order that Democrats who previously left the state be monitored by law enforcement. This requirement has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers.

State Rep. Nicole Collier has refused to comply with the escort requirement and has remained in the House chamber. "I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts," Collier stated. Other Democrats have joined her in protest, with some tearing up agreements that allowed them to leave the chamber.

Democratic leaders have expressed their concerns about the redistricting plan. Rep. Gene Wu, the Texas House Democratic leader, criticized the GOP's approach, saying, "This is a civil discussion and disagreement, and in order to win, the other side is willing to use force. Good guys don’t do that."

In California, Democrats are also pursuing their own redistricting efforts. Two committees have advanced bills that would allow voters to amend the state constitution to create five additional Democratic-leaning seats. This move is seen as a response to Texas Republicans' actions.

The Texas House is expected to have the necessary quorum to conduct business when it reconvenes. The only item on the agenda is House Bill 4, which seeks to redraw the congressional map. The bill passed a committee on a party-line vote earlier this week.

Republican Governor Greg Abbott has indicated that the new congressional maps could become law by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Democrats in California are preparing for a vote on their redistricting proposals, which would require two-thirds support in both legislative chambers.

California Republicans are attempting to block the proposed constitutional amendment through legal means, arguing that the legislature did not provide sufficient notice to voters. They have filed a lawsuit seeking an emergency injunction against the redistricting effort.

As the political landscape shifts in both Texas and California, the outcomes of these redistricting efforts could have significant implications for the upcoming elections.