Former President Barack Obama has said he is “so proud” of Texas House Democrats who have fled the Lone Star State to break quorum, preventing the passage of a redistricting bill that would likely give the Republicans another five seats in the national House of Representatives.

On Thursday, Obama spoke to rebel lawmakers by video call, a photograph of which was shared on X by the official Texas House Democrats account.

This was shared in turn by Obama who added: “I am so proud of the Texas House Democrats and the work that they’ve done.

“Their willingness to put themselves on the line to highlight the current assault on our democracy has set an example for what all of us have to do.”

This is a developing story and is being updated.