F or the second week, Republicans and Democrats have continued their showdown over new congressional maps in Texas, which will result in five new GOP-majority districts at the expense of Democrats. But the fight is about to enter a new phase on Monday, Aug. 18.

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

Abbott said that redistricting plans, legislation to increase flash flood safety in the wake of deadly July flooding, and other legislative work remains undone because Democrats had refused to show u...