The Texas Legislature began a new special legislative session Friday after Gov. Greg Abbott called lawmakers back to deal with congressional redistricting and a host of other issues — laying down a new gauntlet for Democrats who fled the state nearly two weeks ago to halt a vote on a new district map.

Former President Barack Obama is praising Texas House Democrats over their efforts to thwart Republican redistricting in the state.

“This is not just about Texas or Texans,” Plesa said in front of a battery of television cameras. “This is about the pillars of democracy as we know it.”

Thousands gathered in Austin to protest redistricting ahead of a second special session.