Obama Supports California Democrats’ Redistricting Plan
Former President Obama has endorsed a proposal from California Democrats to redraw Congressional district lines, particularly if Texas or another Republican-led state chooses to do the same. This move aims to bolster the chances for Democrats in maintaining Congressional seats after the upcoming midterm elections.
While expressing his opposition to partisan gerrymandering, Obama noted that Texas Republicans are engaging in this practice at the request of President Trump.
During a fundraiser in Martha’s Vineyard, Obama remarked that if Democrats don’t respond effectively to this tactic, it could enable the White House and other Republican-controlled state governments to dominate nationwide. “I wanted a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on who had better ideas,” he stated. “But you can’t let one major party stack the deck, and California has the capacity to balance out states like Texas.”
Typically, redistricting occurs every ten years following the census to reflect population shifts. Californians voted in 2010 to form an independent commission aimed at ending partisan gerrymandering. The last redrawing of California’s 52 Congressional Districts took place in 2021.
This summer, Trump encouraged Texas leaders to redraw their Congressional boundaries to enhance Republican representation. In response, California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing a special election in November to reconsider district boundaries.
Texas legislators were expected to vote on the new district lines this week, while California legislators were set to vote on Thursday to initiate a special election.
Obama praised Newsom’s strategy as a “responsible” approach. If the proposal gains approval, it would only be executed if Texas or another state opts for a similar independent commission following the 2030 Census, bringing changes to district lines in how the middle-aged constituency is drawn.
“I think that approach is a sensible, measured way to deal with a very specific issue at this particular moment,” Obama added.
