Former President Barack Obama participated in a virtual meeting with Texas House Democrats on Thursday. These lawmakers had left the state in an attempt to prevent Republicans from enacting newly designed congressional maps that favor their party. Obama supported their actions and emphasized that their efforts are crucial in the ongoing battle against political gerrymandering.
ABC News was the first to cover the meeting and its details.
"We can't allow a deliberate attack on democracy to occur without taking action, and because of your efforts and bravery, what you've witnessed is California's response, with other states considering what they can do to counter this mid-decade gerrymandering," Obama said to the Texas lawmakers who were meeting in Illinois.
MORE: California plans to proceed with the redistricting vote to counter Texas, according to Newsom.He added, "I hope each of you leaves feeling refreshed and aware that you've played a role in guiding what will be a prolonged battle. It won't be settled quickly, and in the end, it will depend on the American people recognizing the importance and understanding that we can't assume our freedoms and democracy will always be there. You've contributed to shaping this conversation, and I appreciate your efforts."
He added, "I want each of you to return feeling refreshed and aware that you have played a role in guiding what will be an extended battle. It won't be settled immediately, and in the end, it will depend on the American people recognizing the importance and understanding that we can't assume our freedoms and democracy are guaranteed. You've contributed to shaping this message, and I appreciate your efforts."
Texas Representative Gene Wu, who leads the state's House Democratic Caucus, stated in a message to ABC News that the members were "particularly excited" about the meeting, and Obama's participation demonstrates that their efforts are backed by their party "at all levels."
"Having President Obama speak with us and back us is evidence that when Texas House Democrats take a stand and resist, we are not alone — we have the backing of Democrats at all levels who recognize that when Republicans target voting rights in Texas, they are undermining the core of our democracy everywhere," Wu stated.
Wu stated that the Democrats were required to conduct the meeting online due to "Republican threats," which he claimed demonstrates the desperation of Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
The reality that we must meet President Obama from a secret location and through Zoom due to Republican threats and monitoring only highlights how desperate Abbott and his radical supporters have become," Wu stated. "They realize their racial gerrymandering plan is collapsing, so they are turning to intimidation methods. However, President Obama's backing demonstrates 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 leads the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC). During the discussion, Holder provided the caucus with an update on his committee's strategies to counter Republican initiatives aimed at prompting other red states to adjust congressional boundaries in ways that benefit Republicans ahead of the midterms.
MORE: Texas Democrats are set to return following the governor's conclusion of the special session, which involved redistricting, according to sources.The former president plans to emphasize the current redistricting disputes later this month during a fundraiser in Martha’s Vineyard organized by the NDRC.
Holder and Speaker Emeritus Rep. Nancy Pelosi will also be present at the event, set to take place on August 19.
Wu stated on Thursday that the group might return to the state soon under two circumstances: if the legislature's initial special session ends on Friday and if California Democrats present their redistricting plan that would counter the proposed Texas maps. Both of these scenarios are expected to occur on Friday.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated on Thursday that he intends to proceed with placing the newly proposed congressional maps for the state on the ballot during a special election on November 4, as a response to Texas' initiatives.
He mentioned that the state government will reaffirm its dedication to California's independent redistricting commission following the 2030 census, "but we are seeking voters' approval to conduct mid-term redistricting in 2026, 2028, and 2030 for congressional maps to address developments in Texas... and we will do this while also reinforcing our state's goal of creating a fairer competitive landscape throughout the United States."
The California state legislature must enact laws to place the updated maps before voters.
Oren Oppenheim from ABC News contributed to this report.