Texas Democrats who oppose a controversial Republican-led redistricting plan appear to be shifting strategy from walkout to holding protest rallies.

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.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called a second special session Friday after gaveling out the first 30-day session, hamstrung by fleeing Democrats who left the state.

People packed the capital lawn on Saturday morning for the “Texas for All” rally protesting the state’s plan to redraw redistricting maps.

The Texas redistricting standoff is reaching a critical juncture. In response, Texas House Democrats have remained outside the state to break quorum and block a vote.