Washington, D.C. – Today, Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), released the following statement in response to California voters passing Proposition 50:

“The American people see Donald Trump’s gerrymandering effort for what it is: a real threat to draw them—the voters—out of a meaningful role in the electoral process. Their opposition has been understandably overwhelming. 

“The strong support from Californians—the people—voting in favor of a response to combat this threat and protect the voting power of the American people by double digits, stands in stark contrast to feckless Governor Abbott and other Republicans who ignored the overwhelming opposition by Texans to enact the state’s new, even more egregious gerrymander. 

“This should serve as a warning to Republicans who are considering heeding the continuing demands of the White House: it is politically unwise to go against principle and their constituents. If necessary—and with the support of the people—more states will follow California’s lead, acting swiftly and decisively to protect Americans’ voice in Congress.”

“We will protect democracy in every part of our nation.”

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

Attorney General Holder’s leadership was critical to quickly building support for Proposition 50. In July, given the extraordinary threat posed by Donald Trump’s gerrymandering scheme, starting in Texas, where voters overwhelmingly opposed the mid-decade power grab, Attorney General Holder outlined his views on the fight ahead. He spoke with The New York Times in further detail about his belief that national redistricting reform remains the best path forward, but Democrats cannot be blind to the reality of the threat and must adopt a different approach to ensure democracy can ultimately be restored. 

Under his leadership, NDRC quickly backed Governor Newsom’s announced process, and in partnership with President Obama, has helped amplify the importance of passing Prop 50 over the past couple of months. Including a joint press call with Planned Parenthood Action Fund, interviews with NPR, Mother Jones, and conversations on podcasts like MeidasTouch and This is Gavin Newsom. 

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