Home Democrats convened a digital name Wednesday amid an escalating nationwide redistricting controversy that would have widespread implications on subsequent yr’s midterm elections. The decision, hosted by the Democratic Congressional Marketing campaign Committee, featured former Lawyer Basic Eric Holder, chair of the Nationwide Democratic Redistricting Committee. Home Minority Chief Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York was additionally on the decision.
A supply acquainted with the decision mentioned Holder offered “a high-level overview to the Home Democratic Caucus on the most recent within the battle in opposition to Donald Trump’s gerrymandering scheme in Texas and throughout the nation.”
Texas has grow to be floor zero within the redistricting battle after Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott referred to as a particular session of the state Legislature final month to think about a brand new congressional map that might internet a five-seat Republican majority. The Texas Senate handed the map Tuesday in a 19-2 vote, with many Democratic lawmakers strolling out in protest. Texas Home Democrats fled the state to disclaim Republicans a quorum of their chamber, however Abbott has vowed to name one other particular session if they don’t return earlier than the Legislature adjourns on the finish of the week.
“That is an effort to stifle Individuals who’ve had sufficient,” Texas Home Democratic Caucus Chairman Gene Wu mentioned in a press convention Wednesday. “Republicans know that their agenda and what they’ve achieved is so unpopular with not simply liberals or Democrats however with all Individuals that they should cheat to rig the system to allow them to keep in energy.”
California has vowed to redraw its congressional map in retaliation if Texas in the end approves the brand new districts. The state’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, wrote to President Trump this week urging him to name off Texas and different pink states from taking additional motion. Newsoms workplace introduced a press convention Thursday touting a “main announcement.”
“DEMOCRATS WILL DESTROY GREG ABBOTT’S ‘TOTALLY RIGGED MAPS.’ TREMENDOUS WORK IS BEING DONE,” the California governor’s workplace posted on X, imitating Mr. Trump’s social media fashion. “DONALD TRUMP…. GET READY FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PAYBACK YOU’VE EVER SEEN!!! ”
The NDRC’s nonprofit arm, the Nationwide Redistricting Basis, was concerned in a lawsuit in opposition to Texas over its present maps. The group has additionally made calls and held briefings with state and native leaders and companions.
Former President Barack Obama is slated to headline a fundraiser for NDRC with Holder and former Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi subsequent week. Holder served as legal professional normal in the course of the Obama administration.
“On this second, steps should be taken to answer the authoritarian measures being thought of in sure states and now so overtly taken in Texas,” Holder mentioned in a press release. “We should protect our democracy now with a view to in the end heal it.”
