Former President Barack Obama has expressed support for California Governor Gavin Newsom's approach to redistricting.

California Democrats are making moves to put a ballot measure pushing pro-Democratic maps before voters this fall. Other Republican-controlled states are looking at redraws, too.

The former president lent his support to Gov. Gavin Newsom's retaliatory redistricting plan shortly before Republicans in Texas passed their bill to redraw congressional lines.

Democratic leaders say they will return for a second special legislative session after seeing California Democratic leaders proceed with plans to redraw their own US House maps to neutralize Republican gains in Texas.

Facing opposition from Democrats who fled the state to stall the vote, Republicans hope the new maps will lead to more seats in Congress.

Texas Democrats ended their walkout and returned as Republicans advance a redistricting plan that would likely create five new GOP congressional seats.

House Bill 4 advances to the Senate after Democrats return from a quorum-breaking walkout. Republicans aim to reshape the Texas congressional maps.