Former President Obama participated in a call with Texas House Democrats on Thursday as the lawmakers remain out of the state in protest of Lone Star State Republicans’ push to pass friendlier congressional maps.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder, who chairs the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), also participated in the call. 

The former president “lauded their fight against the Republican efforts to enact an even more egregious gerrymander in Texas ahead of the midterms,” the Obama spokesperson said in a statement. “He made clear that they are part of a bigger effort to protect free and fair elections and commended them for inspiring others with their actions.” 

The spokesperson noted that he would be headlining an NDRC fundraiser next week. ABC News was the first to report on the virtual call. 

Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu thanked Obama for meeting with lawmakers in a post on X. 

“We are encouraged by your words and remain committed to fighting for democracy, in Texas & across the country. #txlege,” Wu said. 

Texas Democrats have remained out of the state for close to a week as they’ve sought to block Republicans from passing a new House map that would offer the GOP five pick-up opportunities ahead of 2026.  

Texas House Democrats announced earlier on Thursday that they would return to the state if two conditions were met: That the state legislature adjourned on Friday and California introducing its own set of maps to neutralize potential gains in Texas.