Despite the challenge, Paxton said he was "optimistic" the governor would prevail in the standoff with Democrats. Texas Democrats have said they plan to stay out of state until the end of this special session in two weeks, but Abbott is able to call another special session after that.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries slams Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s threat to kick lawmakers who fled the state out of office and tells CNN’s Wolf Blitzer how Democrats will respond to the GOP redistricting effort.