Former President Barack Obama recently voiced strong support for Texas House Democrats who have taken dramatic steps to block a Republican-led redistricting initiative. Meeting with the lawmakers, Obama praised their decision to leave the state, a bold move aimed at preventing the passage of new congressional maps proposed under GOP guidance.

During a virtual meeting that also included former Attorney General Eric Holder, now chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), Obama expressed his preference for independent commissions in drawing congressional districts, rather than politician-controlled processes. This stance comes amid escalating tensions over redistricting efforts that could significantly affect the political landscape.

State Rep. Ann Johnson, present at the meeting, relayed Obama’s message, stating, “He acknowledged what Texas is doing is wrong, and you have to be able to stand up in this moment.” She added that Obama emphasized the importance of allowing voters to shape electoral boundaries to ensure fairness and competition based on ideas, not manipulation.

The meeting precedes a significant fundraiser Obama is set to headline for the NDRC next week in Martha’s Vineyard, which seeks to counteract Republican redistricting strategies. This event underscores the ongoing national debate over how electoral maps are drawn and the broader implications for democratic representation.

Obama’s engagement comes as the Texas Democrats, who have been in Illinois for nearly two weeks to deny Republicans the quorum needed to approve the contested maps, signal readiness to return home. Their departure was initially in response to a special session called by Governor Greg Abbott intended to secure five additional seats as requested by former President Donald Trump.

The political standoff has seen California Democrats respond in kind, with Governor Gavin Newsom initiating a campaign for a new House map that could potentially add Democratic seats, balancing the scales tipped by Republican efforts in Texas.

During the 30-minute call, Obama heard from Texas Representatives Barbara Gervin-Hawkins and Christian Manuel about the challenges they’ve faced, including bomb threats and lawsuits since their departure. Their commitment, Obama noted, was crucial in standing up to what he and many others see as an assault on fair democratic processes.

As the saga unfolds and the final day of the special session approaches, all eyes remain on Texas and California, states at the heart of a growing dispute that could reshape future electoral boundaries across the nation.