Obama endorses California Gov. Newsom's proposed redistricting strategyShow Caption
Former President Obama expressed support for California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed redistricting plan.Newsom's plan is contingent on Texas or other Republican-led states enacting similar redistricting maneuvers.Texas Republicans are poised to vote on a new congressional map aimed at flipping five Democratic-held House seats.Former President Barack Obama is speaking out about Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed redistricting plan for California. And he's all for it.During a National Democratic Redistricting Committee fundraiser in Martha's Vineyard on Aug. 19, Obama said he believes Newsom’s strategy is a "responsible approach." California voters will get to decide on redistricting options in November.Citing Newsom, Obama said, "He said this is going to be completely responsible. We’re not going to completely maximize it,” according to the Associated Press. "We’re only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers. Otherwise, this doesn’t go into effect."Obama's remarks come as Texas Republicans are expected to vote on a new congressional map intended to flip five Democratic-held U.S. House seats up for grabs in the 2026 elections. The vote comes after dozens of Democratic lawmakers ended a two-week walkout, temporarily delaying the bill's passage in a special session of the state legislature."I'd love to see the people of Texas reject what's happening, but it doesn't look like, unlike in California... they're being given the option of deciding whether this is a smart thing to do or not," Obama said, CNN reported on Aug. 20.In response, Newsom thanked Obama on social media on Aug. 20, saying the state has to stop President Trump’s “attempts to rig our elections.”"California will redraw our maps and neutralize any attempts Donald Trump makes to steal Congressional seats," Newsom said. "Thank you, President Obama for backing Proposition 50 and standing up for America’s democracy."Meanwhile, Trump is continuing to encourage Texas GOP House members to do their part to ensure the state has a new redistricting map.“... which is exactly why Texas Republicans need to help us WIN the 2026 Midterm Elections, and pass their new Bill, AS IS, for the ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL CONGRESSIONAL MAP!,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Aug. 19. “I call on all of my Republican friends in the Legislature to work as fast as they can to get THIS MAP to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk, ASAP.”
