Obama: Texas Democrats Who Fled Redistricting Vote Are 'Inspiring'

Former President Barack Obama privately met with a group of Texas Democrat lawmakers this week to praise their decision to flee the state in an effort to stop a vote on a redistricting bill backed by President Donald Trump.

However, critics say the move from the Democrats amounts to sabotaging the democratic process.

Texas state Rep. Gene Wu, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, revealed on X that Obama joined the lawmakers via Zoom.

Obama reportedly called their actions “inspiring” and urged them to continue their fight.

Wu said the Democrats were “encouraged” by the former president’s words and “remain committed to fighting for democracy, in Texas & across the country.”

ABC News confirmed the meeting, with an Obama spokesperson telling the outlet that the former president “lauded their fight against the Republican efforts to enact an even more egregious gerrymander in Texas ahead of the midterms.”

Obama also “commended them for inspiring others with their actions.”

The redistricting bill is supported by Trump and Texas GOP leaders.

It would likely give Republicans five additional congressional seats.

More than 50 Texas House Democrats fled the state to deny the legislature a quorum, preventing the bill from coming to a vote.

In response, Texas Republican leaders have filed legal action to compel the lawmakers’ return and have threatened to remove them from office if they refuse to participate in the legislative process.

The standoff has intensified in recent days.

Texas House Democrats issued a statement Thursday declaring they will only return if the legislature agrees to adjourn without plans to meet again or if California passes its own redistricting plan to “neutralize” the GOP seats gained in Texas.

Obama has publicly backed the Texas Democrats before, posting on X earlier this month:

“We can’t lose focus on what matters – right now, Republicans in Texas are trying to gerrymander district lines to unfairly win five seats in next year’s midterm elections.

“This is a power grab that undermines our democracy.”

Wu told ABC News the group was “especially excited” to have Obama address them, saying:

“Having President Obama speak with us and support us is proof that when Texas House Democrats stand up and fight back, we don’t stand alone — we have the support of Democrats at every level who understand that when Republicans attack voting rights in Texas, they’re attacking the foundation of our democracy everywhere.”

Wu claimed the meeting was held from an “undisclosed location” due to “Republican threats.”

“The fact that we have to meet President Obama from an undisclosed location and via Zoom because of Republican threats and surveillance only proves how desperate Abbott and his extremist allies have become,” Wu said.

“They know their racial gerrymandering scheme is falling apart, so they’re resorting to intimidation tactics.

“But President Obama’s support shows the whole country is watching — and Texas House Democrats won’t be silenced by bullies.”

On Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to counter the Texas plan by pushing to redraw his state’s districts to eliminate Republican seats.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) fired back, saying if California wipes out all GOP districts, “Texas should do the same,” leaving Republicans with a net gain.