Former President Barack Obama is applauding Texas Democrats for leaving their state in an attempt to block the passage of a Republican-led redistricting effort.

Obama’s comments came on the same day that California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced his decision to pursue a state ballot initiative to offset Republicans’ controversial redistricting ploy in Texas. If approved, the plan would target five House Republicans in the Golden State.

Former President Barack Obama accused Lone Star State Republicans of seeking to engage in gerrymandering in "a power grab that undermines our democracy"

The topic of redistricting has been at the national forefront since Texas unveiled an aggressive plan to strip the Democrats of five congressional seats