Gov. Greg Abbott previously asked the court to expel Rep. Gene Wu, the House Democratic leader. Paxton disputed the governor’s authority to make the request.

The Texas Supreme Court has granted a request for an expedited brief and review period on whether Democrats who left the state and broke quorum can be expelled from their seats, but not as fast as Gov.

The redistricting battle between Texas Democrats and Republicans intensified Thursday as House Democrats publicly laid out the conditions for their return to Austin after a two-week absence.