Former President Barack Obama on Thursday praised Democratic Texas state lawmakers for setting a robust instance for others to comply with by blocking Republicans’ plans to redraw the Lone Star State’s congressional maps at Donald Trump’s request to present the GOP an edge within the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
His feedback, which were first reported by ABC News, got here as Democrats have fled to Illinois and different northern states, leaving the Texas Home of Representatives unable to determine quorum to move the brand new political maps that might give Republicans 5 extra GOP-friendly congressional seats.
“We will’t let a scientific assault on democracy simply occur and stand by, and so, due to your actions, due to your braveness, what you’ve seen is California responding, different states taking a look at what they will do to offset this mid-decade gerrymandering,” Obama mentioned in a digital assembly with these Texas Democrats.
Obama’s feedback got here on the identical day that California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced his decision to pursue a state poll initiative to offset Republicans’ controversial redistricting ploy in Texas. If accepted, the plan would goal 5 Home Republicans within the Golden State.
The previous president recommended Texas Democrats for serving to “set the tone” for the remainder of the nation, whereas predicting that the redistricting combat will likely be “lengthy.”
“It’s not going to be resolved straight away, and it’s going to require, in the end, the American individuals understanding the stakes and realizing that we can not take our freedoms and our democracy without any consideration,” Obama mentioned.
Texas Democrats mentioned they’re ready to return to Texas if the state legislature adjourns Friday.
“Beneath the recommendation of authorized counsel, Democrats should return to Texas to construct a robust public legislative file for the upcoming authorized battle in opposition to a map that violates each the present Voting Rights Act and the Structure,” the Texas House Democratic Caucus said in a press release.
“Trump thought he might simply get his approach in Texas with compliant Republicans, however Democrats fought again ferociously and took the combat to Trump throughout America,” the assertion continued.
Eric Holder, who served as legal professional common within the Obama administration and now chairs the Nationwide Democratic Redistricting Committee, additionally joined the decision.
Obama warned that Democrats can not afford to be complacent, citing the White Home’s willingness to bypass Congress and pursue the “militarization of cities, politicization of our justice departments and our army,” with out naming Trump.
“These are development traces that remind us this valuable democracy that we’ve obtained will not be a given. It’s not self-executed. It requires us to combat for it. It requires us to face up for it,” Obama said.
