A showdown is unfolding in Texas as Gov. Greg Abbott threatens to remove Democrats who have fled the state in protest of Republican-led effort to create a new congressional map.

Texas Democrats who left the state in a bid to block redrawn U.S. House maps have responded to Republican Governor Greg Abbott's threat to remove them from office if they don't return by Monday afternoon.

Abbott said the lawmakers may be committing a felony by fundraising to pay the fines incurred for vacating their posts.