California Gov. Gavin Newsom has officially announced a special election in response to Texas Republicans redrawing their congressional districts. The changes in Texas, pushed by Donald Trump, are seen as a way to give Republicans an advantage and weaken Democratic influence.
The special election, scheduled for Nov. 4, asks California voters if they want to temporarily take power away from the independent redistricting commission. This would allow the state Legislature to draw new maps for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.
Newsom called the day “Liberation Day” during his speech. Speaking directly to the camera, he said, “Wake up, America, this is a serious moment. Wake up to what’s going on.” He warned that California will fight back, saying, “Donald Trump, you have poked the bear, and we will punch back. I know they say, ‘Don’t mess with Texas.’ But don’t mess with the great Golden State.”
Republican lawmakers in Texas have faced heavy criticism for agreeing to Trump’s demand to redraw the maps. The change would add five seats for Republicans and could weaken Democratic voting power, especially in communities of color. Normally, redistricting only happens every ten years after the U.S. census updates population data.
When asked why Texas lawmakers were making such drastic changes, Republican House member Mitch Little said simply: “Because we can.”
Before Newsom spoke, union leaders, local and national lawmakers, and activists highlighted the dangers of inaction.
Jodi Hicks of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California emphasized the importance of protecting reproductive rights, which have been under attack since the Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion in 2022. “We don’t have another choice,” Hicks said.
Erika Jones, representing the California Teachers Association, said, “Our union fully supports this ballot initiative. We are ready to do whatever it takes to stop this power grab and defend our democracy, our students, and public education.”
State Assemblymember Isaac Bryan spoke about the 55 Democratic lawmakers in Texas who left the state to block unfair voting measures. “Do Californians hate gerrymandering? Yes. Do Americans hate gerrymandering? Yes. But this is bigger than that,” Bryan said. “This is about standing up to an authoritarian president who wants to break our democracy. Now is the time to defend everything we’ve built and what makes this country great.”
U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., called the situation “a precarious moment in our nation’s history.” He warned Trump and Republicans: “You come after our votes in California, and we will fight you tooth and nail.”
In recent days, Newsom has also used social media to mock the president, with his press office posting on X in all caps: “PRESS CONFERENCE COMING — HOSTED BY AMERICA’S FAVORITE GOVERNOR, GAVIN NEWSOM. FINAL WARNING NEXT. YOU WON’T LIKE IT!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.”
Newsom also criticized federal officers who arrived at the press event. “BORDER PATROL HAS SHOWED UP AT OUR BIG BEAUTIFUL PRESS CONFERENCE! WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED!…TRUMP’S PRIVATE ARMY IS ILLEGALLY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY!!!! WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY THIS WEAK LITTLE MAN!!!”
