President Barack Obama on Wednesday praised California’s redistricting efforts, arguing that the state’s move is necessary to combat “partisan” gerrymandering in Texas. Texas launched an effort earlier this year backed by President Donald Trump to redraw district lines to boost the number of seats Republicans hold in the House by five.

Former President Barack Obama has waded into states’ efforts at rare mid-decade redistricting efforts, saying he agrees with California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s response to alter his state’s congressional maps, in the way of Texas redistricting efforts promoted by President Donald Trump aimed at shoring up Republicans’ position in next year’s elections.

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