Former President Barack Obama is backing California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s controversial gerrymandering plan to add more Democrat congressional seats.
Obama is calling the proposal a “responsible approach,” even as critics say it is a blatant attempt to cancel out Republican gains in Texas.
Speaking at a fundraiser Tuesday on the liberal elite playground of Martha’s Vineyard, Obama defended Newsom’s push to rewrite California’s congressional map.
According to excerpts obtained by the Associated Press, Obama said:
“I believe that Gov. Newsom’s approach is a responsible approach.
“He said this is going to be responsible.
“We’re not going to try to completely maximize it.”
“We’re only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers,” he added.
“Otherwise, this doesn’t go into effect.”
The next day, Obama posted on X that gerrymandering “shouldn’t be a part of politics” and that elections should be decided by a “fair fight” of competing ideas, despite supporting Newsom’s plan to carve out as many as five new Democratic-leaning districts.
Analysts warn the dueling redistricting plans in California and Texas could determine control of the House in 2026.
If Newsom succeeds, Democrats could net additional seats, offsetting the GOP’s gains in Texas.
Newsom has already announced plans to hold a special election this year to undo constitutional amendments that created California’s nonpartisan redistricting commission.
The effort would return redistricting power to Sacramento Democrats and allow them to craft a map to their advantage.
Republicans in California have vowed to fight the proposal, calling it a power grab aimed at rigging elections under the guise of “responsibility.”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump celebrated Texas Republicans for approving a redistricting plan that could add up to five GOP-leaning seats.
Trump hailed the move as a “Big WIN,” calling Texas a national example for other Republican-led states to follow.
“Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself.
“Texas never lets us down,” the president noted.
“Florida, Indiana, and others are looking to do the same thing.
“More seats equals less Crime, a great Economy, and a STRONG SECOND AMENDMENT.
“It means Happiness and Peace,” Trump wrote.
The president also suggested that Republicans could gain as many as 100 additional seats nationwide if they pair aggressive redistricting efforts with election integrity reforms.
“But Republicans, there is one thing even better — STOP MAIL-IN VOTING, a total fraud that has no bounds,” Trump continued.
“Also, go to PAPER BALLOTS before it is too late — At one-tenth the cost, faster, and more reliable.
“If we do these TWO things, we will pick up 100 more seats, and the CROOKED game of politics is over.
“God Bless America!!!”
The contrast between the two approaches underscores the high-stakes battle for the House.
Texas Republicans argue their map simply reflects population growth and voter representation.
Democrats, however, claim it dilutes minority voting power and have promised lawsuits.
Meanwhile, in California, Newsom is working to dismantle nonpartisan redistricting altogether, a move Republicans say exposes Democrats’ claims of “fairness” as pure political theater.
With both sides now openly maneuvering to redraw the congressional battlefield, the path to 2026 may be decided less by voters than by redistricting battles in the courts and statehouses.
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