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 on California’s redistricting process to counter Trump’s Texas gerrymander:

“Nobody wins a redistricting arms race, least of all the American people. But Trump’s demand for extreme and unjustified mid-decade gerrymanders in Texas and beyond—with too many Republicans ready and willing to be complicit in his orders to predetermine the outcome of the next federal election—has brought a new, dangerous threat to free and fair elections in America. That’s why I support responsible and responsive actions—on a temporary basis—to ensure that the foundations of our democracy are not permanently eroded and to leave a basis for needed reform. 

“Governor Newsom’s proposal for a redraw process adheres to that vision. It stands in stark contrast to the power grab unfolding in Texas, by allowing voters a chance to weigh in and, in 2030, returning California to its long-standing commission process.  

“Our democracy is under attack. We have no choice but to defend it. Unlike in the immediate past, when we again have the power to enact bold policies that reimagine and rebuild a democracy that is actually responsive to the people, we must do so. This has to include the passage of an enhanced Voting Rights Act and a federal ban against partisan gerrymandering, to ensure that our nation never has to go through this again.”

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