Obama's comments came as efforts in Texas, encouraged by President Trump, aim to strengthen GOP control ahead of next year's elections.

Former President Barack Obama is supporting California Gov. Gavin Newsom's "measured" approach to redistricting in response to Republican moves in Texas.

Former President Barack Obama has waded into states’ efforts at rare mid-decade redistricting efforts, saying he agrees with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s response to alter his state’s congressional maps, in the way of Texas redistricting efforts promoted by President Donald Trump aimed at shoring up Republicans’ position in next year’s elections.

Former President Barack Obama gives his approval of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting strategy as Texas debates over its proposed plan.

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

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.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Democrat-dominated California Legislature is advancing Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting package on Wednesday, but lawmakers still don't know how much the special election will ultimately cost the state. The proposal would put new ...