2:13Former President Barack Obama speaks to a group of Texas House Democrats on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Illinois. Texas House Democratic Caucus
On Thursday, former President Barack Obama participated in a virtual meeting with Texas House Democrats who left the state to prevent Republicans from enacting newly drawn congressional maps favorable to the GOP, applauding their efforts and emphasizing the significance of their work in the ongoing battle against partisan gerrymandering.
ABC News was the first to report on the meeting and its details.
“We cannot allow a systematic attack on democracy to unfold without intervention, and because of your actions and courage, what you’re witnessing is California taking action and other states considering how they can counter this mid-decade gerrymandering,” Obama conveyed to the Texas lawmakers as they convened in Illinois.
He added: “I want each of you to return feeling revitalized and recognize that you have played a pivotal role in what will be a prolonged struggle. This issue will not be resolved immediately, and it will ultimately require the American public to grasp the stakes and understand that we cannot take our freedoms and democracy for granted. You’ve contributed to setting the tone for this, and I appreciate it.”
Former President Barack Obama speaks to a group of Texas House Democrats on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Illinois.Texas House Democratic Caucus
He continued: “I want all of you to be returning feeling invigorated and know that you have helped to lead what is going to be a long struggle. It's not going to be resolved right away, and it's going to require, ultimately, the American people understanding the stakes and realizing that we cannot take our freedoms and our democracy for granted. You've helped set the tone for that, and I'm grateful for it."
Texas Rep. Gene Wu, who chairs the state’s House Democratic Caucus, expressed in a statement to ABC News that members were “particularly enthusiastic” about the meeting, noting that Obama’s involvement is evidence of their party’s support “at all levels.”
"Having President Obama engage with us and support our efforts signifies that when Texas House Democrats stand up and resist, we are not alone — we have the backing of Democrats at every level who recognize that when Republicans undermine voting rights in Texas, they are attacking the very foundation of democracy everywhere,” Wu stated.
Wu remarked that Democrats had to conduct the meeting virtually due to "Republican threats," which he claimed demonstrates the desperation of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
“The necessity of meeting President Obama from an undisclosed location and through Zoom because of Republican threats and surveillance only illustrates how desperate Abbott and his extremist allies have become," Wu noted. "They are aware that their racial gerrymandering scheme is disintegrating, so they are resorting to intimidation tactics. However, President Obama’s support indicates that the entire nation is observing — and Texas House Democrats will not be silenced by bullies.”
Obama was joined on the call by former Attorney General Eric Holder, who chairs the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC). During the discussion, Holder informed the caucus about his committee’s strategies to counter Republican initiatives aimed at persuading other red states to redraw congressional maps to favor Republicans for an advantage in the midterms.
The former president will continue to address the ongoing redistricting conflicts later this month when he headlines a fundraiser in Martha’s Vineyard organized by the NDRC.
Holder and Speaker Emerita Rep. Nancy Pelosi will also participate in the event, which is slated for Aug. 19.
Wu indicated on Thursday that the group might return to the state soon under two conditions: if the legislature’s first special session concludes on Friday and if California Democrats present their redistricting proposal that would counter the proposed Texas maps. Both scenarios are expected to occur on Friday.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that he is proceeding with plans to place proposed new congressional maps for the state on the ballot in a Nov. 4 special election in an effort to counter Texas’ proposals.
He stated that state government will reaffirm its commitment to California’s independent redistrict
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
