Texas Republicans pass redistricting map creating 5 new GOP-leaning congressional seats despite Democratic objections about minority voting power dilution.

The former president lent his support to Gov. Gavin Newsom's retaliatory redistricting plan shortly before Republicans in Texas passed their bill to redraw congressional lines.

The court said the petitioners “failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief at this time” under the state’s constitution.

Conservative opponents dominated the public comment at legislative hearings on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s congressional redistricting plan, though most were at the Capitol for an unrelated rally.

Former President Barack Obama said Tuesday that he supported a proposal by California Democrats to redraw congressional lines in response to a Republican-led push in Texas to gain additional US House seats but expressed unease with the broader effects of political gerrymandering.

The vote targets congressional lines ahead of the 2026 midterms in a state where shifts could change control of the House of Representatives.

Other Democratic lawmakers have joined a colleague in staying at the Texas Capitol rather than accept around-the-clock police escorts meant to prevent them from blocking a vote on a Republican plan for redrawing congressional districts.