Former President Barack Obama gives his approval of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting strategy as Texas debates over its proposed plan.

If Newsom's redistricting ballot initiative succeeds, many in Doug LaMalfa's congressional district could suddenly find themselves represented by a Democrat for the first time.

Newsom and Democratic leaders say they’ll ask voters to approve their new maps only for the next few elections, returning map-drawing power to the commission following the 2030 census — and only if a Republican state moves forward with new maps. Obama applauded that temporary timeline.