Obama and Holder Mobilize Democrats Against GOP Redistricting: Existential Threat to ‘Our Democracy’
Former President Barack Obama and former Attorney General Eric Holder are urging Americans to support the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), warning that Republican-led redistricting efforts in key states pose a serious threat to fair representation and democracy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In a joint video posted Thursday on X, Obama and Holder—co-founders of the NDRC—condemned redistricting moves in states such as Texas, Florida, and Ohio. Obama called the GOP efforts an “existential threat to our democracy,” accusing “extreme conservative politicians” of manipulating district boundaries to weaken the voting power of minority communities and entrench their own political power.
“They’re trying to slice and dice House districts to preserve their power while diluting the influence of communities of color,” Obama said. He also cited Ohio, where he claimed Republicans are attempting to secure control of nearly 90% of congressional seats.
The video’s caption read: “Republicans are trying to redraw congressional district lines to keep their grip on Congress in the midterms and beyond. Voters should pick their politicians, not the other way around.”
The video comes amid growing partisan tensions over redistricting nationwide. Earlier this month, Holder told ABC’s This Week that former President Donald Trump is backing what he called an “authoritarian movement” to rig the 2026 elections. He pointed specifically to Texas, where Republicans recently passed a redistricting plan projected to expand their congressional majority by five seats.
Holder also criticized the Texas map in an interview with MSNBC, alleging it violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting Hispanic and Black voting strength. Despite Latinos accounting for nearly all of the state’s recent population growth, Holder said the legislature prioritized creating majority-white districts.
Obama has also remained engaged in the issue. Earlier in August, he joined a Zoom call with Texas Democrats who had fled the state to block a quorum on the redistricting bill. He praised their walkout as a courageous move that set the tone for a broader national fight.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed the redistricting bill—dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Map”—into law last week. He described it as a measure that “ensures fairer representation in Congress.” The bill passed along party lines in both the state House and Senate.
In response, Democratic governors in states like California, New York, and Illinois have pledged to push back. California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) unveiled a counterproposal that would eliminate several Republican-held seats. Obama praised the plan as a “measured approach” to restoring balance.
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