Obama Slams GOP’s Texas Redistricting Plan as ‘Power Grab’

Former President Barack Obama has issued a sharp warning about redistricting efforts in Texas, accusing Republican leaders of manipulating district maps to gain an unfair political advantage in next year’s midterm elections.

“We can’t lose focus on what matters – right now, Republicans in Texas are trying to gerrymander district lines to unfairly win five seats in next year’s midterm elections,” Obama wrote in a Facebook post. “This is a power grab that undermines our democracy.”

Obama’s remarks were shared alongside a post promoting a virtual event hosted by the National Redistricting Foundation. The event, titled Texas Action Call: HIGHEST PRIORITY, is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, from 8 to 9 p.m. CDT. It is open to participants across the country, with a central focus on Texas civic engagement and redistricting awareness.

According to the National Redistricting Foundation, the online event will explore how recent redistricting efforts continue to shape representation and voting access in the state. Organizers say the session will include tools to help residents understand voting laws, register to vote, and become involved in strengthening democracy at the local level.

“This event is open to anyone interested in building civic power and ensuring that every voter in Texas has the information and support they need to participate fully in the democratic process,” the group said in a statement.

The push comes amid growing national attention on gerrymandering battles, with Democrats and voting rights advocates arguing that partisan redistricting threatens fair representation across several key states, including Texas.

We can’t lose focus on what matters – right now, Republicans in Texas are trying to gerrymander district lines to unfairly win five seats in next year’s midterm elections. This is a power grab that undermines our democracy. https://t.co/lBGo5aNbyp

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 5, 2025

Follow Virginia Times for regular news updates. Stay informed with the latest headlines, breaking stories, and in-depth reporting from around the world.