Former President Obama, who opposes partisan gerrymandering, endorsed California Democrats efforts to redraw the state’s congressional districts to counter GOP efforts to boost their ranks in Congress.

His endorsement comes shortly before California lawmakers are largely expected to vote to place the matter on the ballot in a special election in November.

Former President Obama endorsed California Democrats’ plans to redraw congressional districts if Texas or another Republican-led state does so to increase the GOP’s chances of maintaining control of Congress after next year’s midterm election.

Obama said that while he opposes partisan gerrymandering, Republicans in Texas acting at President Trump’s behest have forced Democrats’ hand.

If Democrats “don’t respond effectively, then this

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