Former President Barack Obama has endorsed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to redraw the state’s congressional map, describing the measure as a “responsible approach” to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts underway in Texas. Speaking at a Martha’s Vineyard fundraiser on Tuesday that brought in about $2 million for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, Obama said the California plan would take effect only if Texas and other GOP-controlled states proceed with mid-decade remaps intended to bolster their hold on the U.S. House. He warned that Democrats must “respond effectively” to what he called attempts to “rig the game.” The Democratic blueprint could increase the party’s share of California’s 52 House seats to 48, up from 43, nearly eliminating the state’s Republican delegation. Lawmakers are expected to place the maps before voters in a Nov. 4 special election, after which authority would revert to the state’s independent redistricting commission following the 2030 census. Obama’s intervention comes as Texas legislators reconvene in Austin to debate a map championed by former President Donald Trump that would create five additional Republican-leaning districts. Newsom and other Democratic governors say California’s proposal is a time-limited response aimed at offsetting what they view as partisan gerrymandering in Texas and similar GOP-run states.