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

The Texas Senate's packed floor session Tuesday wasn't without its own political drama. Early on, nine of the chamber's Democrats walked out to protest the same Republican-backed plan to redraw the state's congressional districts that prompted the House quorum break earlier this month.

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.