Former President Barack Obama waded into the debate over redistricting in a zoom call with Texas House Democrats on Thursday, warning of a “systematic assault on democracy” spurred by Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps in Texas.

Democrats who run populous states are considering redistricting, but some of them face a hurdle: Their parties don’t have control over drawing legislative maps. Instead, the power is in the hands of independent commissions, something often left-leaning pro-democracy advocates have supported to enact fair maps that reduce gerrymandering.

Texas Democrats in Chicago have declared victory after a two-week battle to prevent Republicans from redrawing districting maps, sparking national momentum for other states to do the same.

Democrats have struggled to find effective ways to oppose President Trump, and even some Democratic voters describe the party as weak.

Dr. Phil McGraw criticized Texas Democrats on “The Real Story” Monday for fleeing to blue states like Illinois over redistricting.

The stalemate over redistricting Texas is escalating among state lawmakers with Senate Democrats joining House Democrats and walking out of the session. MSNBC Columnist Charlie Sykes, host of “The Bulwark Podcast” Tim Miller and Michael Hardaway,

The effort to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections could make GOP incumbents vulnerable.