Democrats in Texas gain support from former President Obama due to obstructing Republican redistricting proposal
In the ongoing battle against partisan gerrymandering, Texas House Democrats recently ended their quorum-breaking walkout, allowing Republicans to pass a redistricting bill creating five additional Republican-leaning congressional districts. Governor Greg Abbott is set to sign the bill, with President Trump supporting the effort as a "huge victory."
Amidst this political turmoil, former President Barack Obama joined a virtual meeting with Texas House Democrats who left the state to prevent Republicans from passing GOP-favorable congressional maps. The meeting, held in an undisclosed location due to "Republican threats and surveillance," was a testament to the gravity of the situation.
Texas Representative Gene Wu, who chairs the state's House Democratic Caucus, expressed that members were "especially excited" about the meeting and Obama's involvement. Wu stated that President Obama's support shows that the whole country is watching and that Texas House Democrats won't be silenced by intimidation tactics.
Obama told the legislators that their actions have inspired California and other states to take action against mid-decade gerrymandering. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to put proposed new congressional maps for the state on the ballot in a Nov. 4 special election.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who chairs the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), also joined the virtual meeting with Texas House Democrats. Holder updated the caucus on the NDRC's plans to push back on Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps more favorable to Republicans.
The struggle against gerrymandering is a long one, according to Obama, and will require the American people to understand the stakes and not take their freedoms and democracy for granted. Obama's words echoed the sentiment of the Texas House Democrats who have been fighting to level the playing field across the United States.
As the nationwide tension over partisan political boundaries continues, other states, including California, are reportedly considering following Texas’ partisan redistricting approach, though exact actions from California have not been detailed in the available information. Obama's virtual meeting with Texas House Democrats serves as a call to action for other states to join the fight against partisan gerrymandering and preserve the integrity of the democratic process.
References: [1] The Texas Tribune [2] The New York Times [3] The Washington Post [4] Politico
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