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.

California voters backed independent redistricting for congressional seats and giving it up to counter President Trump creates a moral conflict even for Democrats.

The lawsuit comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom seeks to grow California's US House Democratic delegation to match a Texas plan to net the GOP five more seats.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is leaning into the redistricting fight as he looks to build his national profile ahead of a potential 2028 bid, but the move comes with political risks. Newsom formally declared his plans at a rally Thursday to call a special election for November that would allow state lawmakers to

The governor connected President Donald Trump’s request that Texas Republicans redraw districts to eke out another five House seats to the Jan. 6 insurrection, rollbacks on abortion rights, Trump’s dismantling of federal agencies and targeting of law firms, universities and museums, and federal deportation raids in California.

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%.