Former President Obama supports Texas Democrats who left state to block GOP-led redistricting effort.

Former President Barack Obama has backed Texas House Democrats who left the state to block Republicans from passing new congressional maps that could add five GOP-leaning districts. Obama praised their efforts to fight against what he called a "systematic assault on democracy" and highlighted their role in protecting free and fair elections. The Democrats argue that the redistricting would suppress voters of color and could be a power grab by Republicans.