Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are vying to be the tougher candidate on Democratic lawmakers who left Texas, as potential Democratic rivals seek their own spotlight.

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

Texas Republican leaders said Tuesday they are prepared to end their current stalemated special session and immediately start another, prolonging their confrontation with Democrats over the GOP's effort to redraw congressional maps at the direction of President Donald Trump.