The former president made the public comments in support of the California governor’s plan to counter move Texas Republicans

LOS ANGELES - A national political battle over redistricting is escalating as California lawmakers approved a special election that will be held Nov. 4 for voters to decide on the newly proposed congressional maps. Lawmakers voted mostly along party lines after hours of debate. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation Thursday evening.

Texas Republicans are triumphant after a success in their efforts to redraw the state’s congressional maps, but California Democrats are set to make their move.

Former President Barack Obama waded into the political arena Wednesday touting the work of the Biden administration and issuing support for California Gov. Gavin Newsom who is facing a recall effort.

The vote targets congressional lines ahead of the 2026 midterms in a state where shifts could change control of the House of Representatives.