Barack Obama expressed his support for California Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to counteract Texas’s new congressional map by proposing a redistricting effort for California and creating more Democratic-leaning districts, which he considered “a responsible approach.” Obama stated at a fundraiser in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, that the initiative will only be activated if Texas or other Republican states make similar redistricting moves. He described Newsom’s strategy as “measured,” as it limits the California legislature’s power to redraw maps mid-decade.
Though Obama said political gerrymandering is not his preference, he warned that Democrats must effectively respond to maintain an inclusive democracy. The event, attended by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Eric Holder, raised $2 million for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and its affiliates.
Meanwhile, Texas lawmakers have approved a new redistricting plan that strengthens the Republican influence in the US Congress. The situation in Texas has prompted Democratic governors to consider similar measures to potentially strengthen their political position through redistricting.
In California, where voters previously gave an independent commission the power to draw congressional maps, Democratic leaders unveiled a proposal that could result in five additional US House seats for the party. They plan to ask voters for approval of the new maps only for the upcoming few elections, with the power to redraw maps returning to the commission following the 2030 census. If approved on November 4, the blueprint could give Democrats 48 of California’s 52 US House seats.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/20/obama-california-texas-redistricting
