Former President Barack Obama joined a virtual meeting on Thursday with Texas House Democrats who had left the state in protest of Republican-drawn congressional maps. The lawmakers, who traveled to Illinois to deny the Texas legislature a quorum, received encouragement from Obama, who praised their stand against what he described as a “systematic assault on democracy.”
Obama Praises Courageous Stand
“We can’t just stand by while democracy is under attack,” Obama told the group. “Because of your courage, other states like California are now stepping up, looking at how they can counteract this mid-decade gerrymandering.” He emphasized that the lawmakers were playing a leading role in a broader fight that would require sustained public engagement. “You’ve helped set the tone for this struggle, and I’m grateful,” he added.
Democrats Applaud National Support
Texas Representative Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said members were “especially excited” to receive Obama’s backing. “It proves that when we stand up to defend voting rights in Texas, we don’t stand alone,” he said. Wu noted that the virtual format was necessary due to “Republican threats,” which he characterized as evidence of the other side’s desperation.
“The fact that we had to meet President Obama via Zoom from an undisclosed location shows just how far Governor Abbott and his allies are willing to go,” Wu said. “But President Obama’s support sends a powerful message — Texas Democrats will not be intimidated.”
Joining Obama on the call was former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, now chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC). He briefed the legislators on national efforts to counter Republican attempts to reshape congressional maps in key red states ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Obama is scheduled to headline an NDRC fundraiser on August 19 in Martha’s Vineyard, alongside Holder and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, to further spotlight redistricting battles across the country.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday a plan to place new congressional maps on the ballot for the November 4 special election. This move, aimed at countering Texas’ proposed GOP-favorable maps, includes a provision to allow midterm redistricting in 2026, 2028, and 2030. Newsom affirmed that California would remain committed to its independent redistricting process but needed to respond to growing partisan threats elsewhere.
According to Rep. Wu, the Democrats may return to Texas soon under two conditions: if the current special session ends Friday and if California Democrats introduce their counterproposal — both expected to occur imminently.
