The battle for the House is heating up—and it’s not just on Election Day.
Former President Barack Obama is throwing his weight behind California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s controversial gerrymandering plan, calling it a “responsible approach” to adding more Democratic seats. Critics, however, warn it’s a blatant move to counteract Republican gains in Texas, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown over congressional power.
Speaking at a Martha’s Vineyard fundraiser, Obama defended Newsom’s effort to rewrite California’s congressional map. “We’re only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers,” he said. “Otherwise, this doesn’t go into effect.”
Yet, just one day later, Obama posted on X that gerrymandering “shouldn’t be part of politics” and that elections should reflect a “fair fight” of competing ideas—despite supporting Newsom’s plan to carve out as many as five Democratic-leaning districts.
Newsom has already signaled a special election this year to overturn constitutional amendments that created California’s nonpartisan redistricting commission. By reclaiming redistricting power, Democrats could reshape the state map in their favor—a move Republicans are calling a blatant power grab.
Meanwhile, across the country, former President Donald Trump is celebrating Texas Republicans’ approval of a redistricting plan that could yield up to five GOP-leaning seats. “Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, framing it as a national example for other Republican-led states. He suggested that, combined with election integrity reforms, Republicans could net as many as 100 additional seats nationwide.
The contrast couldn’t be starker. Texas GOP leaders claim their map reflects population growth and fair representation. Democrats argue it dilutes minority voting power and are preparing lawsuits. In California, Newsom’s attempt to dismantle nonpartisan redistricting exposes what Republicans see as Democrats’ hollow claims of “fairness.”
With both parties now openly maneuvering to redraw the congressional battlefield, the 2026 midterms could hinge less on voters’ choices and more on court battles and statehouse power grabs. The fight over redistricting is no longer a side issue—it’s the arena where control of the House may be decided.
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