Obama has entered the discussion.
Barack Obama is back in the political spotlight—this time siding with Texas Democrats who fled the state rather than do their jobs. The former president praised the group for skipping town to block a Republican redistricting plan that could add five new GOP congressional seats, calling their stunt “inspiring.”
Runaway Democrats Huddle With Obama in Secret
Texas State Rep. Gene Wu explained on X that over 50 Democrat lawmakers met with Obama via Zoom from an undisclosed location. Wu claimed the group felt “encouraged” and “committed to fighting for democracy”—Democrat code for blocking Republican reforms backed by President Donald Trump.
According to ABC News, an Obama spokesperson confirmed the meeting and said the former president “lauded their fight” against what he called an “egregious gerrymander” ahead of next year’s midterms. He told the runaway lawmakers they were part of a larger national effort to “protect free and fair elections.”
GOP Pushes Back Hard
The showdown erupted when Texas Republicans moved forward with a Trump-supported redistricting plan designed to reflect the state’s population growth and give voters stronger conservative representation. Democrats responded by fleeing to deny the legislature the quorum needed to pass the bill.
Republican leaders have since filed legal action to force the absent lawmakers back and have warned they could be removed from office if they continue refusing to participate. GOP officials say Democrats are undermining the democratic process by refusing to even vote.
Democrats Set Political Conditions
Texas House Democrats now claim they will only return if the legislature adjourns without passing the plan—or if California Democrats redraw their own congressional lines to eliminate Republican seats.
Obama has echoed their talking points online, accusing Republicans of a “power grab” and claiming the plan would “unfairly win seats” in Congress. Wu said the group was “thrilled” to hear from Obama, claiming it proved they have “support from Democrats at every level.”
Secret Meetings and Political Theater
Wu accused Gov. Greg Abbott and Republicans of “intimidation tactics,” claiming the meeting had to be held in secret due to “threats.” He also charged that Republicans were engaging in “racial gerrymandering”—a familiar left-wing attack line.
Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he would push to redraw California’s districts to erase Republican seats entirely. Sen. Ted Cruz fired back, saying if California wipes out its GOP districts, Texas should do the same to Democrats—giving Republicans a clear net gain.