California Governor Gavin Newsom is threatening political retaliation if Texas Republicans move forward with a proposed redistricting plan that would eliminate five Democratic congressional seats.
“Donald Trump asks for five seats and Greg Abbott immediately bends the knee,” Newsom said in a sharp social media post. “The 2026 election is being rigged. California won’t sit back and watch this happen.”
Newsom’s warning follows a similar statement by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who also signaled possible retaliation. Lawmakers such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Elissa Slotkin have echoed concerns that the Texas map is part of a broader effort to tilt the electoral landscape ahead of the next national election.
The controversy erupted after Texas Republicans released a draft congressional map that would heavily reshape Democratic-held districts in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and South Texas. According to The Texas Tribune, the new boundaries could effectively eliminate multiple Democratic seats in key urban and Latino areas.
In response, Texas Democrats are preparing potential legal and procedural challenges. Some are considering leaving the state in an attempt to break quorum and stall the vote—an approach they’ve used in past redistricting fights. To support such a move, donors are reportedly organizing a financial lifeline to help cover the costs, which include daily $500 fines and legal threats.
Texas House rules prohibit campaign funds from being used to pay fines. However, strategists say a workaround is already in place, estimating it would take around $1 million per month to sustain the effort. Rep. Jasmine Crockett noted that since lawmakers are allowed to earn outside income, they could accept donations directly.
“I think the first step would be to have attorneys ready to challenge the legality of these rules,” Crockett said.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton responded by calling for the arrest of any Democratic legislators who flee the state. He also offered his office’s assistance in tracking down and compelling their return.
Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee has begun deploying tens of thousands of grassroots advocates to push back against Republican redistricting nationwide. According to ABC News, the DNC’s operation involves 30,000 volunteers focused on targeting persuadable Republican voters in key districts, including those impacted by the Texas proposal.
