Obama Weighs In on California Democrats’ Redistricting Effort

“I’ve had to wrestle with my preference,” Obama told a fundraiser crowd on Martha’s Vineyard this week.

Barack Obama speaks at a rally for Kamala Harris
Morry Gash/AP

Former President Barack Obama this week voiced his support for California’s plan to redraw its congressional districts in response to a partisan, mid-decade redistricting effort in Texas.

“I believe that Gov. Newsom’s approach is a responsible approach,” Obama told a fundraiser crowd Tuesday, according to multiple reports. “We’re only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers. Otherwise, this doesn’t go into effect.”

Speaking at an event for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee at Martha’s Vineyard on Tuesday, Obama said he doesn’t feel redistricting should be a partisan issue.