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 praised a group of Texas Democratic lawmakers for fleeing their state to stop a vote on a redistricting bill, calling their actions "inspiring," according to reporting.Texas state Rep.