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Team, From the day President Obama and I started the National Democratic Redistricting Committee eight years ago, our north star has been fairness in the redistricting process. We oppose the use of partisan and racial gerrymanders — by all political parties — designed to disenfranchise people. I’m still deeply committed to that ideal. But let me be clear: That enduring commitment to fairness does not blind us to reality. Right now, Republican leaders, led by the president, are attempting to gerrymander their way to unchecked power. Let’s call this what it is: We are witnessing an authoritarian attempt to thwart the will of the people. We cannot stand by in the face of an overt threat to democracy. Extraordinary steps must be taken to meet this moment. We must preserve our democracy today in order to ultimately heal it. For that reason, we are evolving our approach. The NDRC will not oppose — on a temporary basis — responsible, responsive actions to ensure that the foundations of our democracy are not permanently eroded. And once this moment has passed, we must pass reforms at the federal and state levels to outlaw the very actions that have led to this crisis. The people who are willing to undermine the core precepts of democracy for partisan gain must never again be allowed to threaten what makes America exceptional. We are not abandoning the fight for fairness — far from it. Fairness is a weapon that exists to protect the people’s power. And we shouldn’t be afraid to use it. In solidarity, Eric H. Holder, Jr.
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