Texas Republicans returned to the Capitol without Democrats, who fled to block a vote on a GOP-drawn congressional map.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott doubled down on his promise to expel Texas Democrats from the legislature if they do not return to the state for its ongoing special session, where Republicans are working to push through a new congressional map that gives the GOP five more favorable seats ahead of the midterms.

Speaking at a closed-door luncheon in Boston Monday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker lauded Texas Democrats for their efforts to block a vote on a redrawn congressional map that favors Republicans.