Gavin Newsom recently announced a shockingly partisan electoral idea—to consider different “pathways” for California to conduct a mid-decade congressional redistricting to help shore up Democratic majorities. Out of context, this would be an outrageous effort to undermine well-established rules for determining congressional election boundaries.

As Texas moves forward with an off-cycle redistricting to shore up Republicans’ narrow House majority, Gov. Gavin Newsom is plotting a Democratic response in California. But the state’s independent redistricting commission is a major obstacle.

Around the country, lawmakers are seeking to undermine or nullify voter-approved ballot measures. California's voters took redistricting away from the politicians. Newsom wants it back.

During his remarks at a press briefing today, California Governor Gavin Newsom sounded the alarm over President Trump's partisan attempt to redraw Texas congressional maps. Newsom stated, "It's not a bluff;

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a warning to President Donald Trump and Texas Republicans amid growing attempts at redrawing Texas's congressional districts to further favor Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms. A spokesperson for Newsom told Newsweek his office is "closely tracking what Texas does" and "exploring potential options."

California’s governor keeps talking about creating new House seats in response to a Texas gerrymander. But the gambit could backfire on Democrats.