Despite attempts by Texas’ Democratic lawmakers to stall the redistricting plan pushed by state Republicans, the Texan legislature passed a bill that could result in up to five seats changing from blue to red. Gov. Greg Abbott said he would sign it into law “swiftly.”

It all amounts to the opening salvo in what is likely to become a national showdown to grasp power through gerrymandering.

The Texas redistricting battle is entering a new front as the fight turns to the courts, where Democrats and civil rights groups are expected to challenge the newly passed maps. Texas House Democrats who had fled the state to stall the maps said that they were returning “to the House floor and to the courthouse” this