While GOP lawmakers accused the Austin Democrat of overstating his role in passing a statewide cap on insulin copays, his Democratic colleagues said his personal battle with diabetes generated key momentum for the effort.

State Sen. Morgan LaMantia, D-Palm Valley, faces off against Republican Adam Hinojosa in the only competitive race for the Texas Senate.

The law says a former member of the Legislature cannot engage in activities that require them to register as a lobbyist if they have made a political contribution using campaign funds in the past two years.

The Brownsville Democrat said his resignation will be effective Jan. 31. That sets up a potential special election to finish his term, though whoever wins would only serve for a short time.

The Brownsville Democrat, who made the announcement Thursday, has served in the upper chamber since 1991.

The likely new district comes as Texas Republicans continue to try to make new inroads in South Texas after the 2020 election.

With proposed maps out, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, says he might switch to a neighboring district where U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, is retiring. The initial maps are also sure to impact decisions in regional legislative races.

Both chambers convened at noon Saturday for a second overtime round ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott. The first 30-day stretch ended in an impasse after House Democrats left the state to block a controversial GOP elections bill.

The state Capitol on Jan. 12, 2021. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneNeed to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Pre-pandemic, the Texas state Capitol during legislative sessions has been a flurry of crowded hearings, hand shaking, protests, lobbying and people vying for the attention of their state lawmakers. Here are some ways Texans can connect with their lawmakers safely this legislative session. Virtual meetingsIndividual lawmakers will decide whether their offices are open to members of the public. Capriglione said he will also be available to people virtually and people should feel comfortable contacting lawmakers remotely.