Texas Democrats receive support from Obama after thwarting GOP's redistricting scheme
The ongoing redistricting standoff in Texas has gained national attention, with significant developments unfolding in recent days. The Texas House Democrats, in an attempt to break quorum and prevent a vote on the Republican-backed redistricting plan, had fled the state. However, after a two-week standoff, they returned to Austin, allowing legislative proceedings to resume [3].
The Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 4, which advances the GOP redistricting plan to the Senate [2]. The Senate is expected to pass the bill, and Governor Greg Abbott has indicated he will approve it once it reaches his desk [4]. The proposed map could help Republicans gain up to five additional U.S. House seats by reshaping districts, particularly in major metro areas. This plan has been contentious, as it could dismantle four congressional districts that the U.S. Department of Justice deemed unconstitutional due to the combination of Black and Hispanic voters [1][2]. The legal battle over these districts continues.
In a virtual meeting, former President Barack Obama joined Texas House Democrats to express his support and gratitude for their role in setting the tone for the long struggle against gerrymandering. Obama also emphasized that when Texas House Democrats stand up and fight back, they do not stand alone [5]. Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who chairs the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), also attended the meeting [6].
In response to the Texas redistricting efforts, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that he is moving forward with putting proposed new congressional maps for the state on the ballot in a Nov 4 special election [7]. This move is intended to counter Texas' plans. California will affirm its commitment to its independent redistricting commission after the 2030 census, but it will ask the voters for their consent to do midterm redistricting in 2026, 2028, and 2030 [8].
Texas Rep. Gene Wu, who chairs the state's House Democratic Caucus, stated that members were "especially excited" about the meeting with Obama [6]. Wu also claimed that the Republican threats and surveillance prove the racial gerrymandering scheme in Texas is falling apart [9]. The NDRC updated the caucus on its plans to push back against Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps more favorable to Republicans for the midterms [10].
As the redistricting standoff in Texas continues, the actions of the Texas House Democrats have garnered attention across the nation. Obama cheered on the efforts of the legislators and emphasized the critical time in the fight against partisan gerrymandering [11]. He also told the legislators that their actions have prompted California to move forward with a redistricting vote to counter Texas [12]. The California legislature will have to pass legislation to put the redrawn maps on the ballot. Obama will continue to highlight the ongoing redistricting standoffs later this month at a fundraiser in Martha's Vineyard hosted by the NDRC.
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