The former president lent his support to Gov. Gavin Newsom's retaliatory redistricting plan shortly before Republicans in Texas passed their bill to redraw congressional lines.

Former President Barack Obama gives his approval of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting strategy as Texas debates over its proposed plan.

Obama's comments came as efforts in Texas, encouraged by President Trump, aim to strengthen GOP control ahead of next year's elections.

Democratic voters loathe partisan redistricting, but support California doing it to counter Texas, according to a new national poll on Gavin Newsom’s high-stakes gerrymander.

Former President Barack Obama has expressed support for California Governor Gavin Newsom's approach to redistricting

Former President Barack Obama is in favor of California’s redistricting plan. The former president threw his support behind the effort while the state legislature continues to advance bills to convene a special election in November, when voters would decide whether to implement congressional maps for the next three elections.

Former President Barack Obama said Tuesday that he supported a proposal by California Democrats to redraw congressional lines in response to a Republican-led push in Texas to gain additional US House seats but expressed unease with the broader effects of political gerrymandering.

The former president suggested that Democrats opposing G.O.P. efforts in Texas and elsewhere should advance their own gerrymandering plans.

Obama reportedly said the California redistricting plan, which is being proposed in response to a Texas redistricting that could add five GOP seats in the U.S. House, would only be used if Texas Republicans follow through with the new congressional map.

A new 2028 presidential poll found Gavin Newsom is the top choice of 25% of California's Democratic voters, followed by Kamala Harris at 19%.