Obama and Trump are locked in a behind-the-scenes battle that could decide who controls Congress

Former President Barack Obama is set to host a major fundraiser in Martha’s Vineyard this August, directly challenging recent Republican redistricting efforts backed by Donald Trump. The event will support the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) and its connected organizations.

According to Politico, the fundraiser comes at a crucial time as Republicans in Texas and Ohio work to redraw their congressional maps, which could significantly impact the balance of power in Congress, where controversial figures continue to shape political discourse. The event will feature key Democratic figures including former Attorney General Eric Holder, who chairs the NDRC, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Trump recently addressed Congress on his policy priorities, with both former presidents taking opposite sides in the redistricting fight. While Obama works to raise funds to combat Republican redistricting efforts, Trump is actively pushing GOP leaders to take an aggressive approach in redrawing congressional maps.

Texas and Ohio become key battlegrounds in redistricting fight

In Texas, Trump is urging Republican Governor Greg Abbott to push for changes that could add up to five additional GOP-held seats. The state legislature has already begun a special session to address these potential changes, though the final map remains undecided.

Ohio faces a required redistricting process, and Trump is pressuring Republicans there to maximize districts that favor their party. The outcome in these two states could prove decisive in determining which party controls the House after the 2024 elections.

Democrats have shown limited success in responding to these Republican efforts. While California Governor Gavin Newsom has suggested possible counter-measures in his state, both legal and electoral obstacles remain. New York lawmakers have shown little interest in pursuing similar redistricting efforts.

The NDRC, under Holder’s leadership, has been implementing a nationwide strategy to support Democratic redistricting interests. The organization plans to back state-level electoral campaigns in 13 states through 2026. Its foundation has also funded various legal challenges to stop Republican gerrymandering since 2017.

The upcoming Martha’s Vineyard fundraiser represents Obama’s second such event this year, and continues his long-standing involvement with redistricting issues. His previous fundraiser for the NDRC in 2023 raised $1.5 million for the organization, though fundraising goals for the August event have not been disclosed.