Former President Barack Obama endorsed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting proposal Tuesday, describing it as a responsible counter to Republican gerrymandering efforts in Texas.
Speaking at a National Democratic Redistricting Committee fundraiser, Obama said he supports California’s Proposition 50 despite his broader preference for eliminating political gerrymandering nationwide. He emphasized that Democrats cannot allow one party to unilaterally manipulate the electoral system.
Obama praised Newsom’s measured approach, noting that California’s redistricting would only occur if Texas and other Republican-led states proceed with their own map changes. The California plan includes a sunset provision, keeping new maps in place only until 2030.
The endorsement comes as California lawmakers face a Friday deadline to advance Proposition 50, which would appear on the November 4 special election ballot. The measure temporarily overrides the state’s independent redistricting commission and returns map-drawing power to the legislature.
California’s proposed congressional map could flip five Republican-held seats to Democratic control, counterbalancing gains Republicans expect from redistricting in Texas. Democrats currently hold 43 of California’s 52 congressional seats.
The Texas House passed new congressional maps Wednesday that could create five additional Republican-safe districts. President Trump celebrated the Texas vote, calling it a big win and suggesting other GOP-led states follow suit.
Newsom announced California’s plan in response to Trump’s comments about gaining seats through Texas redistricting, framing the move as necessary to prevent Republicans from rigging the electoral system without Democratic response.
The proposal faces opposition from former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who helped establish California’s independent redistricting commission and has campaigned against gerrymandering nationwide.
Obama urged Texas Republicans to reconsider their redistricting plans, contrasting Texas’s legislative approach with California’s decision to let voters approve new maps in a special election. A recent poll commissioned by Newsom’s team found 57% of California voters support the measure, with 35% opposed. Support rises when voters learn the measure is triggered by partisan actions in other states.