Texas House Democrats who have left the state to block a vote on redistricting were hosted by California leaders on Friday. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and other prominent California Democratic leaders spoke at a press event along with the Texas lawmakers.

Texas’ redistricting standoff rose to a new level Friday as Democrats once again denied a quorum to allow the House to consider the GOP-led plan and Republicans responded by threatening more punitive action.

Texas Democrats again defied Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and the state GOP and did not show up Friday for a vote on a controversial redistricting plan proposed by Republicans. The GOP-proposed new congressional maps that would give Republicans more seats in Congress -- potentially allowing the GOP to keep control of the U.