Obama backs Newsom's California redistricting amid GOP push in Texas

India Today

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Former US President Barack Obama has voiced support for California Governor Gavin Newsom's proposed congressional redistricting plan, calling it a 'responsible approach' as Democrats respond to Republican-led efforts in Texas promoted by President Donald Trump.'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,' Obama said during a fundraiser on Martha's Vineyard event on Tuesday, as per reports by Associated Press. 'We're only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers. Otherwise, this doesn't go into effect.'advertisementAlthough Obama acknowledged that 'political gerrymandering' is not his 'preference,' he warned that failing to counter Republican moves could have serious consequences. 'If Democrats don't respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop, because they do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy,' he said.
The event raised $2 million for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and its affiliates. The group, chaired by Obama's former attorney general Eric Holder, has been active in supporting litigation against Republican-drawn districts. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also attended the fundraiser.CALIFORNIA ADVANCES REDISTRICTING PLAN AS DEMOCRATS EYE CONGRESSIONAL EDGEObama's remarks come as Texas lawmakers reconvene in Austin to debate a new congressional map that would add five GOP-leaning districts. The redrawing effort, strongly encouraged by Trump, aims to fortify Republican control of the US House ahead of next year's elections. Texas Democrats temporarily stalled the process by fleeing the state, denying the legislature a quorum.In response, Democratic governors including Newsom, have explored ways to redraw congressional boundaries to improve their party's odds, even though the next official redistricting cycle is not due until after the 2030 Census.In California, where an independent commission has drawn congressional maps since 2010, Democrats introduced a new plan that could secure the party up to 48 of the state's 52 US House seats, an increase from the current 43. The measure could significantly reduce Republican representation in the state and help Democrats reclaim control of the House.The plan, which requires voter approval, would apply only to the next few elections. Democrats have pledged to return redistricting powers to the independent commission after the next Census — and only if Republican-led states implement partisan maps. Obama praised the temporary nature of the proposal.'And 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 said, echoing Newsom's strategy. 'I think that approach is a smart, measured approach, designed to address a very particular problem in a very particular moment in time.'A committee advanced the measure on Tuesday following a tense hearing marked by partisan clashes. California Democrats are expected to approve the map by Thursday and schedule a November 4 special election for voter ratification.- EndsWith inputs from Associated PressMust Watch