California Governor Newsom Warns of Potential 'Gerrymander Like No Other State' in Response to Texas Redistricting

Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom of California has indicated that his state may abandon its independent redistricting commission and engage in aggressive partisan gerrymandering if Texas Governor Greg Abbott proceeds with mid-decade redistricting aimed at bolstering Republican congressional power. Newsom's remarks, shared with The Texas Holler, signal a potential escalation in the national political landscape.

Governor Abbott recently announced plans for a special legislative session starting July 21 to redraw Texas's congressional maps. This rare mid-decade move comes amidst pressure from the Trump administration, which seeks to expand the Republican Party's narrow 220-212 majority in the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Texas currently holds 38 House seats, with Republicans controlling 25 and Democrats 12, plus one vacancy.

The justification for Texas's redistricting effort stems from a controversial letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, which alleged that four existing Texas congressional districts are "unconstitutional racial gerrymanders." Critics, however, argue this claim contradicts previous state arguments of race-blind map-drawing and serves as a political pretext for partisan gain. Civil rights groups have already challenged Texas's current maps, alleging they dilute minority voting power.

Newsom expressed his frustration, stating, "California has been 'playing fair' with an independent commission." However, he added that Abbott's plans have "made me question that entire program," suggesting California, with its "two-thirds majorities in the legislature, could gerrymander like no other state." This potential shift would mark a significant departure for California, which has largely ceded redistricting power to a non-partisan body.

Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have condemned Abbott's actions, calling them a "blatant partisan power grab" and an "attack on democracy." The prospect of California, the state with the largest congressional delegation (52 seats), engaging in retaliatory gerrymandering highlights the growing national tension over electoral map manipulation and its profound implications for future congressional control.