Former President Barack Obama has weighed in on the unusual mid-decade redistricting battles underway in several states, voicing support for California Governor Gavin Newsom’s cautious strategy on revising congressional maps.
Why It Matters
Obama’s remarks come as Republican-led efforts in Texas, encouraged by President Donald Trump, move to expand GOP control ahead of next year’s elections. Texas is expected to approve a new congressional map this week that could hand Republicans as many as five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In response, Newsom has launched a Democratic-led redistricting effort in California intended to counterbalance Republican gains. Unlike Texas, California law requires voter approval to redraw congressional maps outside of the regular post-census cycle.
Newsom has urged Californians to back the plan, arguing it’s necessary to push back against Republican gerrymandering. He has also stressed that he would halt the initiative if Texas Republicans abandoned their own redistricting push.
Obama’s Take
“I believe that Governor Newsom’s approach is a responsible approach,” Obama said Tuesday during a fundraiser on Martha’s Vineyard, according to excerpts obtained by The Associated Press.
“He said this is going to be responsible. We’re not going to try to completely maximize it. We’re only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers,” Obama continued, referencing Newsom’s past statements. “Otherwise, this doesn’t go into effect.”
Obama acknowledged that while “political gerrymandering” is not his preference, Democrats cannot afford to ignore Republican strategies. “If Democrats don’t respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop, because they do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy,” he warned.
Redistricting traditionally occurs every 10 years following the U.S. census. Texas Republicans broke with precedent this year, moving to redraw their maps early in response to Trump’s push.
Organizers of Tuesday’s fundraiser said the event raised $2 million for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) and its affiliates. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Attorney General Eric Holder, who chairs the NDRC, were also in attendance.
Texas Democrats’ Role
Obama also praised Texas Democrats who left their state earlier this summer to block Republicans from obtaining the quorum needed to advance their redistricting plan.
“I am so proud of the [Texas House Democrats] and the work that they’ve done,” Obama wrote on X on August 14. “Their willingness to put themselves on the line to highlight the current assault on our democracy has set an example for what all of us have to do.”
His comments were in response to a photo shared by Texas Democrats showing Obama smiling during a video call with the group.
Reactions
Texas Democrats wrote on X: “Thank you, President @BarackObama, for joining Texas House Democrats today. Your words reminded us why we broke quorum: Democracy isn’t self-executing. It requires us to stand up and fight for it. We’re honored by your support.”
Newsom echoed that call in a recent speech: “We need to stand up—not just California. Other blue states need to stand up.”
Republicans dismissed the California initiative. Christian Martinez, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a statement:
“Gavin Newsom’s latest stunt has nothing to do with Californians and everything to do with consolidating radical Democrat power, silencing California voters, and propping up his pathetic 2028 presidential pipe dream. Newsom’s made it clear: he’ll shred California’s Constitution and trample over democracy—running a cynical, self-serving playbook where Californians are an afterthought and power is the only priority.”
What’s Next
California Democrats unveiled a proposal that could net the party five more U.S. House seats, bolstering their chances of holding control of Congress in 2026. If voters approve the measure this November, Republicans could be left with as few as four House districts in the state.
Currently, Democrats control 43 of California’s 52 seats. Under the new plan, that number could rise to 48.
