Gavin Newsom Targets Trump with Bold California Redistricting Plan Ahead of 2026 Midterms Sources:
Gavin Newsom Slams Trump, Unveils Aggressive Redistricting Plan Before 2026 Midterms
On Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom attacked former President Donald Trump and pledged to advance an ambitious redistricting proposal that may change California’s congressional landscape before the 2026 midterm elections.
Newsom announced the “Election Rigging Response Act” at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles to redesign California’s congressional districts to favor Democrats. The move comes as a direct countermeasure to Republican efforts in Texas to expand their control by adding multiple safe seats through new congressional maps.
According to Newsom, California’s redistricting changes would only take effect if Texas successfully implements its own partisan map. He has called for a special election on November 4, giving voters the power to approve the new boundaries. If passed, the maps would remain in place until the next national census in 2030.
Newsom Accuses Trump of Trying to “Rig the System”
During his speech, Newsom did not hold back in his criticism of Trump, describing him as a “failed” and “broken” leader who is desperate to manipulate the political system. He accused Trump of having no respect for the rules of democracy, drawing parallels to the events of January 6, 2021.
“We know exactly why he’s doing this — he’s afraid of losing,” Newsom said. “When someone tries to burn down democracy, you have to be ready to fight back. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
He also condemned the reported presence of immigration enforcement officers near the venue, calling it a show of political intimidation.
“Only someone weak hides behind displays of force,” Newsom added.
“Fire With Fire” Approach to Politics
Newsom made it clear that his strategy is to respond directly and forcefully to Republican maneuvers, rejecting what he described as outdated notions of passive political resistance.
“This is not the time for symbolic gestures,” he said. “We have to play the game as it is being played — and play to win.”
The California governor, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, warned that Democrats cannot rely on independent commissions or bipartisan processes while Republicans use aggressive partisan tactics in other states.
Political Tensions Rise Across States
The political battle over congressional maps is quickly escalating beyond California and Texas. In Illinois, Democratic Governor JB Pritzker has also hinted at launching his own redistricting plan in response to GOP efforts. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans have indicated they could end their current legislative session as early as Friday, only to reconvene immediately and push their map forward.
California’s proposed maps will be released on Friday, and Democrats’ supermajorities in the Assembly and Senate will likely speed ratification. Before citizens may vote, lawmakers must authorize the special election.
“You Poked the Bear”
Newsom closed his remarks with a direct challenge to Trump, warning that Democrats are prepared for a political fight.
He declared, “Donald Trump, you poked the bear — and we’re going to punch back,” alongside other prominent Democratic friends.
Democrats and Republicans are entering a new phase in their House of Representatives control battle over redistricting. Both parties appear poised to push political strategy in the 2026 midterms, setting the atmosphere for one of the most heated election cycles in recent history.
Sources:
Statements from California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press event at the Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles
Public announcements and legislative updates from the Office of the Governor of California
Texas legislative redistricting proposals and political responses from state officials
