Barack Obama has endorsed California governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to redraw congressional maps, describing it as a “responsible” and “measured” response to Republican-led redistricting in states like Texas.
Speaking at a fundraiser, Obama said Democrats cannot ignore aggressive partisan map-drawing by Republicans, warning that failure to respond could undermine democratic representation. While he noted that political gerrymandering is not his preference, he emphasized that Democrats must act to prevent long-term imbalances in congressional power.
Newsom’s plan would temporarily grant California’s legislature the power to redraw maps mid-decade, but only if Republican-controlled states move first. If approved by voters in November, the proposal could give Democrats up to five additional seats in the U.S. House, increasing their majority in California. The plan is designed as a short-term measure, with authority returning to the state’s independent commission after the 2030 census.
Obama praised the temporary approach, saying it balanced immediate political needs with a long-term commitment to fair representation. He stressed that the move is not about maximizing advantage but ensuring Democrats remain competitive against Republican strategies.