The walkout was a sharp escalation in the clash over a redistricting effort. Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to remove the lawmakers who left their posts if they did not return by Monday.

Texas House Democrats are leaving the state to deny quorum, marking the second time in four years. They say the move is intended to block legislative action they oppose and respond to what they describe as inaction by Gov.

The lawmakers’ absence means the lower chamber won’t have enough members present to function, stalling passage of a draft map Democrats have condemned as a political power grab.