Former President Barack Obama has waded into states’ efforts at rare mid-decade redistricting efforts, saying he agrees with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s response to alter his state’s congressional maps, in the way of Texas redistricting efforts promoted by President Donald Trump aimed at shoring up Republicans’ position in next year’s elections.

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

California Democrats are taking up their proposed constitutional amendment to temporarily redraw their congressional maps, hours after Republicans in the Texas House passed new maps of their own.

Newsom has called for a November special election to let voters decide on a new congressional map designed to flip up to five Republican-held seats.

Conservative opponents dominated the public comment at legislative hearings on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s congressional redistricting plan, though most were at the Capitol for an unrelated rally.

Gov. Gavin Newsom looks on as Speaker Emerita Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Fransisco, delivers remarks during a news conference on redistricting at the Governor's Mansion in downtown Sacramento on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. California legislative leaders met with Texas Democratic lawmakers about Republican plans to redistrict. DANIEL HEUER [email protected]

California Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting ballot measure has support from a majority of the state's voters, according to a new poll.Newsweek reached out to Newsom and the California GOP for comment via email.