AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The battle over redrawing voting lines in Texas reached a crescendo at the Capitol this week. On Monday, most of the House Democrats who were breaking quorum returned to the state, clearing the way for a vote on the contentious plan.

For Wednesday's vote, Democrats rallied outside the chamber, vowing to fight on. Inside the House, efforts to change the bill fell short, and the legislation passed along party lines. The bill passed the Senate early Saturday morning, after Republicans in the chamber made a procedural move that blocked a planned filibuster by State Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston.

From the start, it was clear that Democrats did not have the votes to stop redistricting legislation at the Capitol. The focus now is on the next phase of the fight, with both si

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