Obama Calls Newsom’s Redistricting Approach ‘Smart, Responsible’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former President Barack Obama endorsed California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan, calling it a responsible response to Texas Republicans’ partisan map changes. Newsom’s proposal could give Democrats five more congressional seats but would sunset after 2030. The move highlights a growing nationwide redistricting arms race ahead of the 2026 midterms.
California Redistricting Fight: Quick Looks
- Obama’s Endorsement: Called Newsom’s proposal a “smart, measured approach.”
- Temporary Measure: Would expire after 2030 census, restoring power to the commission.
- Texas Trigger: Comes in response to Trump-backed Texas GOP maps adding five seats.
- California Proposal: Adds five Democratic-leaning seats, nearly erasing GOP delegation.
- Fundraiser Boost: Obama helped raise $2M for Democratic redistricting efforts.
- Pelosi & Holder Present: Both appeared with Obama to support the strategy.
- Partisan Divide: Heated debate in California Legislature, passed on party lines.
- Next Steps: Voters must approve new map in November 2025 referendum.
- National Stakes: Battle reflects struggle for control of U.S. House in 2026.
- Obama’s Warning: Warned Republicans won’t stop unless Democrats counter.
Deep Look: Obama Applauds Newsom’s Redistricting Plan Amid GOP Push in Texas
WASHINGTON/AUSTIN — Former President Barack Obama has thrown his weight behind California Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial plan to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections, calling it a “responsible and temporary response” to aggressive Republican redistricting moves led by Donald Trump in Texas.
Speaking at a fundraiser on Martha’s Vineyard, where he helped raise $2 million for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), Obama told supporters that while partisan gerrymandering was not his preferred solution, Democrats must act if Republicans continue to manipulate maps for political gain.
“If Democrats don’t respond effectively, then Republican-controlled governments will not stop, because they do not appear to believe in an inclusive democracy,” Obama said, according to excerpts obtained by the Associated Press.
California’s Plan: Five More Democratic Seats
California Democrats introduced a plan that could add five new Democratic-leaning seats, potentially giving the party 48 out of 52 U.S. House seats in the nation’s most populous state.
- Independent Commission Sidestepped: California voters created a nonpartisan redistricting commission in 2010, but Democrats argue extraordinary circumstances justify legislative intervention.
- Temporary Nature: Newsom says the measure would apply only for the next few election cycles and would expire after the 2030 census, when the commission regains full authority.
- Voter Referendum Required: The plan must pass a Nov. 4, 2025 statewide referendum before taking effect.
During legislative hearings, Republicans accused Democrats of hypocrisy for overriding a commission they once championed. The debate devolved into shouting matches, but Democrats advanced the plan on a party-line vote.
Texas Sparks National Redistricting Battle
The California move comes in direct response to the Texas House’s approval of Trump-backed maps earlier this week. That plan added five Republican-leaning seats, designed to help the GOP hold the House in 2026.
- Texas Democrats tried to block the measure with a 15-day walkout, but Republicans forced them back under police monitoring.
- Trump has pressed GOP lawmakers in Texas, Indiana, Missouri, and other states to redraw maps mid-decade.
- Democrats, once reluctant to gerrymander, are now openly embracing “fight fire with fire” strategies.
Obama’s Balancing Act
“We’re going to do it in a temporary basis because we’re keeping our eye on where we want to be long term,” Obama explained. “It’s a smart, measured approach, designed to address a very particular problem in a very particular moment.”
Alongside Obama at the fundraiser were former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Eric Holder, Obama’s former attorney general and current head of the NDRC. The organization has spearheaded lawsuits challenging Republican gerrymanders across the U.S.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Both parties are preparing for what may be the most map-driven midterm elections in U.S. history.
- Republicans hope Texas and other red states’ redraws secure control of Congress.
- Democrats are betting California’s changes, along with lawsuits in other states, could balance the scales.
- Legal challenges are inevitable, with the Supreme Court allowing partisan gerrymandering but leaving room for claims under the Voting Rights Act.
With a razor-thin GOP majority in the House, even small map adjustments could determine which party governs after 2026.
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