A New York appeals court just gave Donald Trump a huge legal victory by tossing out his massive civil fraud penalty. But at the same time, another major political story is unfolding that could reshape congressional power: Barack Obama has thrown his full support behind California Governor Gavin Newsom’s push to counter Republican gerrymandering efforts.
Here’s the background. At Trump’s urging, Republicans in Texas are moving forward with a plan to add five new congressional districts that favor the GOP. Critics say this is designed to dilute the voting power of Black and Latino communities and give Trump a better shot at keeping control of the House in the midterms.
Democrats have long tried to stop partisan gerrymandering nationwide, but those efforts have been blocked. With Republicans pressing forward, Newsom is proposing a ballot measure that would allow California to redraw its own districts in a way that balances out Texas’s move. Unlike the Texas legislature’s rushed plan, California voters would get the final say.
Obama explained his support at a Massachusetts fundraiser:
“I’ve had to wrestle with my preference, which would be that we don’t have political gerrymandering. But what I also know is that if we don’t respond effectively, then this White House and Republican-controlled state governments all across the country, they will not stop… That is not my preference, but we cannot unilaterally allow one of the two major parties to rig the game.”
In short, Democrats are facing a dilemma. They’ve tried to play fair, but when one side refuses, the choice becomes stark: either respond in kind or risk watching democratic institutions erode further.
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