A showdown is unfolding in Texas as Gov. Greg Abbott threatens to remove Democrats who have fled the state in protest of Republican-led effort to create a new congressional map.

The governor's threat comes as Democratic legislators flee Texas to stall a vote on a redistricting plan that would favour Republicans.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to replace Democratic lawmakers who left the state over the weekend unless they return by Monday afternoon to vote on a Republican plan to redraw its congressional districts.