Obama backs Gavin Newsom’s ‘responsible’ California redistricting plan as Texas GOP advances new maps

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Barack Obama has thrown his support behind California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to redraw the state’s congressional maps as a counter to Republican-led gerrymandering efforts spearheaded by President Donald Trump in Texas.

Obama praised the plan’s temporary scope and pledged support at a Democratic fundraiser that raised $2 million for redistricting efforts.

Obama says Democrats need to 'respond effectively' to GOP's attempts to gerrymander

Speaking at the fundraiser on Martha’s Vineyard on Tuesday, August 19, Barack Obama called Gavin Newsom’s plan "a responsible approach," saying it would only take effect if Texas or other GOP-led states push forward with new maps.

"We’re not going to try to completely maximize it," Obama said. "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."

He added that while "political gerrymandering" is not his preference, Democrats must "respond effectively" to avoid Republican efforts that "do not appear to believe in this idea of an inclusive, expansive democracy."

Obama draws backlash for backing Gavin Newsom's proposal

Barack Obama’s remarks regarding Gavin Newsom's proposal triggered fierce backlash online, with critics unleashing sharp attacks on his legacy and credibility.

One attacked him, writing, "I was anxiously waiting for a Kenyan to chime in on the situation," while another said, "A man who should stay quiet at the moment and not draw attention to himself, does exactly the opposite."

A person said, "Why does anyone still care what this traitorous a-hole has to say?" while someone else added, "The more this anti-American imbecile opens his mouth over these last couple of weeks the more he points to himself as being the criminal behind the destruction of our country. He sees his work tumbling down as Trump fixes everything and he is hectically, frantic to stop it."

"The evilness of Obama is surfacing. He’s always hidden in the weeds. He’s a disgusting head of the snake. Behind the entire fraudulent election and Kamala coup," an individual claimed. 

Another wrote, "This dude can't close his mouth and be retired. He had his 12 years of pulling the puppet strings of destruction," with one more saying, "Obama committed Treason and has immunity. I do not really care what he thinks about anything anymore. One of the worst Presidents in history."

"Why would that traitor tell the real truth, like redistricting without voter approval breaks California law?" another tweet read. 

California redistricting measure could shift Democratic seats from 43 to 48

The California Legislature is set to vote on a package establishing new congressional districts, authorizing the redrawn map to replace the existing one, and calling a November 4 special election for voter approval.

The blueprint could shift the state’s House delegation from 43 Democratic seats to 48 out of 52, nearly erasing Republican representation.

The push in California comes as Texas Republicans, encouraged by Trump, returned to Austin to advance a congressional map adding five GOP-leaning seats. Democrats in Texas delayed a vote for 15 days by leaving the state in protest, but a committee has now advanced the proposal along party lines amid heated debate.

Newsom and Democratic leaders say the new California maps would apply only for upcoming elections and expire after the 2030 census, returning power to the state’s independent commission.

"And we’re going to do it on a temporary basis because we’re keeping our eye on where we want to be long term," Obama said, applauding the limited timeline as "a smart, measured approach, designed to address a very particular problem in a very particular moment in time."

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Attorney General Eric Holder also attended the fundraiser, which benefited the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and its affiliates. The group has supported litigation in multiple states challenging GOP-drawn congressional maps.

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