California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) delivered a fiery critique of Texas Republicans amid the ongoing mid-decade redistricting battle, accusing them of “cowering” to President Trump.
“Look at these Republicans, cowering to this guy,” Newsom said on Tuesday’s episode of “The Siren Podcast”, referring to Trump. “Look at your Republican governor, used to claim to be a conservative. What a farce. Nothing conservative about this. I mean, by definition, nothing conservative about — this is radical rigging of a midterm election.”
“Radical rigging of an election, destroying, vandalizing this democracy, the rule of law,” he added, as highlighted by Mediaite. “So, I’m sorry, I know some people’s sensibilities. I respect and appreciate that, but right now, with all due respect, we’re walking down a damn different path.”
Newsom didn’t hold back: “We’re fighting fire with fire, and we’re gonna punch these sons of b‑‑‑‑es in the mouth.”
On Wednesday, the Texas state House passed a proposal to update the state’s congressional lines, potentially giving Republicans the chance to gain up to five more House seats. The state Senate is scheduled to consider the measure Thursday.
Democrats nationwide have condemned the move, accusing Texas Republicans of trying to secure an unfair advantage ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
“Tonight, Texas Republicans delivered Donald Trump the rigged map he demanded,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said after the measure’s passage. “Trump, Greg Abbott and their allies know they can’t win on their record of stripping health care, tanking the economy and making families pay more with less.”
“This is a last gasp of a desperate party clinging to power,” she added.
A spokesperson for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) pushed back, stating, “Democrats like Gavin Newsom continue to beclown themselves through these ridiculous and false smears.”
Andrew Mahaleris also noted, “California has one of the most gerrymandered maps in America – only 9 of 52 congressional seats are Republican, even though nearly 40% of California voters chose President Trump. Newsom is doing nothing more than posturing for his 2028 pipe dream.”
Texas GOP Chair Abraham George weighed in as well, saying in a statement to The Hill, “If Gavin Newsom were a competent leader, California would be a paradise, not a nightmare. His policies have turned the Golden State into a wreck, driving hundreds of thousands of families to flee to Texas. Now, Texas must redistrict to handle the influx of new movers, many of whom are California refugees. Newsom’s failures are the root cause, and he should look in the mirror and own the chaos he’s created.”
