The California governor’s fight over district lines is no defense of democracy but a ruling-class ploy, exposing the Democrats’ complicity with Trump in austerity, repression and war.

AUSTIN, Texas — For the first time in two weeks, a quorum was met in the Texas House after many Democrats returned to Austin. That allowed the legislature to advance a bill to redraw maps that will likely affect Houston’s representation in Congress. Democratic leaders said they believe their quorum break was a success.

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.* After two weeks away, Democratic state House members in Texas are returning to Austin, ending a walkout that temporarily derailed a Republican mid-decade redistricting scheme.

Democratic leaders say they will return for a second special legislative session after seeing California Democratic leaders proceed with plans to redraw their own U.S. House maps to neutralize Republican gains in Texas.

Democratic Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier is spending the night on the Texas House floor in protest after refusing a Republican demand to be placed under the watch of the state Department of Public Safety.

Democratic allies say quorum-break drew national attention effectively, as legislature begins second special session to pass redistricting.