Obama rallies Texas Democrats who left state to block GOP redistricting plan

[ad_1] Former President Barack Obama on Thursday joined a digital assembly with Texas Home Democrats who left the state to disclaim Republicans the flexibility to go newly drawn GOP-favorable congressional maps, cheering on their efforts and stressing their work comes at a important time within the combat in opposition to partisan gerrymandering.

ABC Information is first to report on the assembly and its contents.

Obama “lauded their combat in opposition to the Republican efforts to enact an much more egregious gerrymander in Texas forward of the midterms. He made clear that they're a part of a much bigger effort to guard free and truthful elections and counseled them for uplifting others with their actions,” an Obama spokesperson instructed ABC Information in a press release.

Texas Rep. Gene Wu, who chairs the state’s Home Democratic Caucus, stated in a press release to ABC Information that members have been “particularly excited” in regards to the assembly and Obama’s involvement is proof that their actions are supported by their occasion “at each degree.”

Former President Barack Obama speaks to a bunch of Texas Home Democrats on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Illinois.

Texas Home Democratic Caucus

"Having President Obama communicate with us and help us is proof that when Texas Home Democrats rise up and combat again, we do not stand alone -- we've the help of Democrats at each degree who perceive that when Republicans assault voting rights in Texas, they're attacking the muse of our democracy in every single place,” Wu stated.

Wu stated Democrats needed to maintain the assembly just about due to "Republican threats," which he stated is proof of desperation from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

“The truth that we've to fulfill President Obama from an undisclosed location and by way of Zoom due to Republican threats and surveillance solely proves how determined Abbott and his extremist allies have turn out to be," Wu stated. "They know their racial gerrymandering scheme is falling aside, so that they're resorting to intimidation techniques. However President Obama's help reveals the entire nation is watching -- and Texas Home Democrats will not be silenced by bullies.”

Obama was joined on the decision by former Legal professional Normal Eric Holder, who chairs the Nationwide Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC). Through the dialog, Holder up to date the caucus on his committee’s plans to push again on Republican efforts to encourage different crimson states to redraw congressional maps extra favorable to Republicans to get an edge for the midterms.

The previous president will proceed to focus on the continuing redistricting standoffs later this month when he headlines a fundraiser in Martha’s Winery hosted by the NDRC.

Holder and Speaker Emerita Rep. Nancy Pelosi can even attend the occasion, which is scheduled for Aug. 19.

Wu stated Thursday that the group might return to the state quickly on two situations: if the legislature’s first particular session adjourns Friday and if California Democrats introduce their redistricting proposal that may offset proposed Texas maps. Each of these cases are prone to occur Friday.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced on Thursday that he was shifting ahead with placing proposed new congressional maps for the state on the poll in a Nov. 4 particular election in an try to counter Texas’ plans.

He stated state authorities will affirm its dedication to California’s unbiased redistricting fee after the 2030 census, “however we're asking the voters for his or her consent to do midterm redistricting in 2026, 2028, and 2030 for the congressional maps to answer what's taking place in Texas … and we'll accomplish that in a means that additionally affirms our want as a state to degree the taking part in area all throughout the USA.”