Democrats who are eyeing Texas’ Senate seat next year have upped their ad spending and media appearances while embracing clashes with Republican leaders.

Texas Republicans tried again to reconvene the House on Monday for a vote on redrawing congressional maps in their party's favor, an effort that already sparked a national political brawl and prompted Democratic lawmakers to leave the state to deny Republicans the quorum they need.

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