Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dustin Burrows said Tuesday that the chamber will conclude its first special session on Friday if the state Democrats don't return before then.

The battle over mid-decade redistricting in Texas -- where the state’s congressional lines could be redrawn well ahead of the upcoming census -- continues Monday.

Democrats' absence has halted work in the Texas House, which must also approve the new boundaries, for more than a week.