California’s liberal Governor Gavin Newsom is once again going after President Donald Trump and Texas Republicans—this time over redistricting, in what many see as a blatant attempt to protect Democrat power heading into the crucial 2026 midterms.
Newsom’s team has confirmed they are “closely watching” Texas and are “exploring options” in response to Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts—moves that could hand the GOP as many as five new House seats in the Lone Star State.
President Trump has already backed the idea, reportedly telling allies, “We pick up five seats. Easy.” It’s a bold plan aimed at countering Democrat strongholds and restoring conservative leadership in Washington.
Newsom’s reaction? He jumped onto X (formerly Twitter) with a sharp warning: “Two can play this game.”
That’s not just talk—it’s a signal. Democrats are worried. With Trump’s approval holding strong among GOP voters and red states flexing their electoral muscle, the left knows it’s facing an uphill battle in 2026.
Currently, California’s congressional delegation is overwhelmingly Democrat: 43 Democrats to just 9 Republicans, despite Trump earning nearly 40% of the state’s vote. In contrast, Texas Republicans hold 25 seats to the Democrats’ 13, with several competitive districts that are shifting red—especially in Hispanic-heavy areas of South Texas.
In Texas, two Democrat-held seats lie in Trump-won districts—prime redistricting targets. In California, several vulnerable districts could also swing, especially where Trump narrowly won.
But there’s a catch: California has a so-called “independent” redistricting commission. Enshrined in the state constitution by a 2010 ballot measure, it limits direct interference by politicians like Newsom—unless voters overturn it.
That hasn’t stopped Democrats from pushing back. One liberal state rep even posted, “California can lead the nation in fighting back” against GOP redistricting—while ignoring the will of California voters who created the independent process in the first place.
President Trump, however, is focused on the big picture. He confirmed the strategy Tuesday, saying, “We have a couple of other states where we will pick up seats also.” The Republican plan is clear: take back the House and restore conservative leadership across the country.
Meanwhile, left-wing voices are already crying foul—accusing Republicans of playing “dirty,” even as Democrats consider doing the same in blue states. The hypocrisy is glaring.
Newsom even admitted to The Tennessee Holler that Republican-led states like Texas are following a “different set of rules,” raising concerns he may try to undermine California’s redistricting safeguards in retaliation.
One redistricting commissioner responded: “The governor does not have that power.” But in today’s Democrat Party, rules are often seen as optional when power is at stake.
The Texas legislature begins its special session on redistricting July 21. What happens next in California and other Democrat-run states could redefine the balance of power heading into 2026—and conservative voters should be watching closely.