Obama Strongly Backs Texas Democrats Who Are Against a Redistricting Plan Backed by Trump

Barack Obama, who used to be president, is now in a heated political war in Texas. He is totally supporting Democratic lawmakers who have left the state to stop a redistricting scheme led by Republicans that has caused a lot of trouble. The idea has the backing of former President Donald Trump. It would redraw congressional districts in a way that might give Republicans up to five more seats before the 2026 midterm elections.

The dispute over Texas’s new congressional map has started a wider national conversation about fair voting and gerrymandering. Democrats see the move as a planned attempt to change the balance of political power, which has led to quick pushback in Texas and other states.

California Fights Back Against Texas Plan

In reaction to Texas’s proposed revisions, California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a strong countermeasure. Newsom said on Thursday that there should be a special statewide election on November 4, where voters will choose new district lines that might help Democrats. His plan would only work if Texas’s redistricting design works, and it would stay in place until after the 2030 census.

This maneuver temporarily skips around California’s independent redistricting committee, which Newsom argues is required to make the political playing field more even.

When he criticized the Texas idea, Newsom didn’t hold back. He told supporters that Trump’s backing for the initiative demonstrates that he wants to rig the election process. “Why else would he try to cheat?” Newsom said this, which makes it seem like Republicans are worried about losing ground in the next elections.

Obama Praises What Texas Democrats Did

Obama complimented Texas Democrats who are now in Illinois for their brave choice to leave the state. This effectively stopped the legislative process by denying the Republican majority the quorum they needed to enact the redistricting plan. Obama said that their fight is a crucial defense against what he called a “systematic assault on democracy.”

Obama stated, “We can’t let this happen and stand by.” He also added that what they did has had people in other states talking about ways to stop gerrymandering in the middle of the decade. He told the senators to go back to Texas “feeling invigorated” and reminded them that safeguarding democratic liberties requires people to be aware of and involved in their government.

Texas Democrats Stand Strong Despite Pressure

Gene Wu, the chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said that his colleagues were more motivated since Obama supported them. Wu said that Republicans were using intimidation methods because their plan to redraw district lines was running into more and more problems. Wu stated, “The whole country is watching,” and he made it clear that Democrats in Texas would not be quiet.

During a special legislative session, more than 50 Democratic lawmakers departed the state to stop the redistricting plan from passing. In reaction, Republican officials have threatened to fire them and have even spoken about arresting them to make them come back.

High Stakes in Politics

There is no hint that the political tension is going to go down. Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has already called for a second special legislative session, showing how determined Republicans are to move the redistricting law forward. Obama will speak at a National Democratic Redistricting Committee event later this month. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will attend.

Both sides are diving in on Texas’s congressional map, making it one of the most keenly followed political debates before the 2026 midterms. This dispute could influence Texas politics and other states’ map redrawings in the coming years.

Sources:  Texas House Democratic Caucus, California Governor’s Office, National Democratic Redistricting Committee