Former President Barack Obama met Thursday with Texas Home Democrats to reward them for leaving the state to cease a GOP-backed redistricting effort.
Obama additionally pointed to the response by California — which launched its personal redistricting retaliation on Thursday — on account of the Texas Democrats’ personal protest, which he views as a brief offset. He advised them he prefers congressional maps to be drawn by unbiased commissions reasonably than politicians, however acknowledged the necessity for a Democratic response.
“He acknowledged what Texas is doing is wrong, and you have to be able to stand up in this moment,” state Rep. Ann Johnson, who attended the assembly, advised POLITICO.
“He was very clear: If we are all playing to our higher angels as politicians, we should want the people determining our lines,” she mentioned. “We should be brave enough to let the voters pick our lines and compete on fair ideas. And that’s what he wants. That’s what all of us want.”
Obama was joined on name by former Legal professional Normal Eric Holder, chair of the Nationwide Democratic Redistricting Committee.
The assembly comes as Obama will headline a fundraiser for the NDRC subsequent week in Martha’s Winery in response to Republicans’ redistricting efforts.
The assembly was first reported by ABC.
The group of Texas Democrats have been in Illinois for almost two weeks to disclaim Republicans the flexibility to cross a brand new map carving out 5 extra seats on the request of President Donald Trump. The ultimate day of the particular session, ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott, is Friday. Democrats indicated on Thursday they’re prepared to return residence if the session ends on Friday, and if California Democrats introduce their very own map including extra seats in retaliation. That course of is already in movement in California: Gov. Gavin Newsom formally launched his marketing campaign for a brand new Home map on Thursday.
Through the 30-minute name, Obama heard instantly from Texas Democratic Reps. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins and Rep. Christian Manuel, and he praised the lawmakers for standing as much as the assaults they’ve confronted since decamping earlier this month, together with bomb threats and lawsuits.
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