SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom doubled down Friday on his threat to redraw California’s congressional maps to favor Democrats if Texas Republicans move forward with plans to reshape their own districts in favor of the GOP.
Standing outside the historic governor’s mansion after a meeting with six Democratic lawmakers from Texas, Newsom made it clear that he views the 2026 midterms as pivotal in the fight against Republican President Donald Trump’s consolidation of power.
“If we don’t put a stake into the heart of this administration, there may not be an election in 2028,” Newsom said.
The Republican-controlled House currently holds a narrow 220–212 edge over Democrats, a margin that’s shrunk due to the recent deaths of three Democratic lawmakers. Historically, the president’s party loses seats during the midterms—something Newsom wants to prevent.
At Trump’s urging, Texas Republicans are preparing for a rare mid-decade redistricting push, despite having redrawn maps just a few years ago following the 2020 census. Their goal: shore up vulnerable GOP districts ahead of next year’s elections.
Democratic Texas Rep. Rafael Anicha, who joined the meeting with Newsom, warned that the redistricting effort could cause lasting harm.
“This isn’t just about Texas—it could damage the voting power of Americans across the country,” Anicha said.
Newsom made clear that if Texas proceeds, California will respond in kind by attempting to redraw its own maps to favor Democrats.
Texas currently has 25 Republican-held congressional seats out of 38. California, the most populous state, has 52 congressional districts, with Democrats holding 43 of them.
However, Newsom faces a legal hurdle: California’s congressional maps are drawn by an independent redistricting commission, created by a 2010 ballot initiative that was supported by over 60% of voters. The bipartisan commission includes five Democrats, five Republicans, and four independents.
To override that process, Newsom would need voter approval to amend the law—something he acknowledged and said he’s actively exploring. He’s spoken to lawmakers about placing a measure on the ballot and possibly calling a special election.
Such a move would be expensive; the last statewide special election in 2021 cost $200 million. And political strategists warn that voters may not support overturning a system they overwhelmingly approved.
Bay Area-based Democratic strategist Katie Merrill called the governor’s plan “a mistake.”
“Democrats can’t credibly argue that Trump and MAGA are eroding democracy while proposing to do the same,” Merrill said. “Voters have more urgent concerns than political chess matches. There could be serious backlash.”
She also warned that mounting a ballot measure would siphon donor money away from key midterm campaigns.
Dan Vicuna of the nonpartisan group Common Cause also came out strongly against Newsom’s plan, warning it would undermine the integrity of a system designed to prevent gerrymandering.
“This is exactly the kind of political manipulation voters rejected when they created the independent commission,” Vicuna said. “If anything, Democrats should fight Texas in court, not imitate the strategy in California.”
Common Cause also opposes the Texas redistricting push, arguing it could dilute the voting power of communities of color—a concern shared across both states. Vicuna noted California’s past efforts to divide Latino communities to protect white incumbents.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told CBS News that he expects Texas to proceed and said redrawing maps could help expand the GOP majority.
“We’re going to grow the House majority,” Johnson said. “That’s not wishful thinking—it’s based on strategy and results.”
As for Newsom, he emphasized that his warning wasn’t political theater.
“We are committed to this process,” he said. “This is not a bluff.”
