The Texas Legislature began a new special legislative session Friday after Gov. Greg Abbott called lawmakers back to deal with congressional redistricting and a host of other issues — laying down a new gauntlet for Democrats who fled the state nearly two weeks ago to halt a vote on a new district map.

Work started Friday afternoon on the second special session at the Texas State Capitol.

"Delinquent House Democrats ran away from their responsibility to pass crucial legislation to benefit the lives of Texans," Abbott said in a statement.

Thousands gathered at the Texas Capitol. Their message was clear — "Stop The Trump Takeover."