California Gov. Gavin Newsom is sounding the alarm over Texas Republicans’ attempt to redraw congressional maps, calling it an “existential crisis to democracy.”
Following a meeting with Texas Democratic lawmakers in Sacramento, Newsom warned that partisan redistricting could tilt control of Congress and said California may respond by rethinking its own redistricting process.
Texas Redistricting Sparks National Fight
The Texas Legislature opened a special session this week to consider revising its congressional maps—a move encouraged by former President Donald Trump. Although Texas already redrew its districts in 2021 after the 2020 Census, GOP leaders are seeking new boundaries to strengthen their narrow House majority ahead of the 2026 elections.
California May Scrap Its Independent Redistricting Commission
Newsom is now considering abandoning California’s nonpartisan redistricting process, which voters approved in 2008 to strip mapmaking power from state lawmakers. He’s exploring multiple legal and political options, including asking voters to reverse the constitutional amendment.
“The cleanest path… is asking the voters that enacted this in the first place to consider the new conditions,” Newsom said.
Pushback from Both Parties
The idea has stirred debate in Sacramento. Some Democrats are open to the proposal, but many lawmakers from both parties warn against politicizing redistricting.
“We win elections by a war of ideas, not by manipulating the lines,” said Assemblymember Heath Flora, R-Ripon. He criticized the plan as reactionary and costly, adding, “I just don’t think it’s smart. I don’t think Texas should do it either.”
Democrats Warn of National Impact
Texas Democrats say the GOP’s plan could hurt minority communities and reshape national representation. Redistricting expert Paul Mitchell noted that creating five additional GOP seats would require shifting large numbers of voters out of Democratic districts.
Texas Rep. Rafael Anchía, D-Dallas, warned, “It is going to cause great harm—not only to the people that we represent, but also potentially to all Americans.”
Newsom Draws a Line
Newsom said he’s no longer willing to let California play by different rules if other states are engaging in partisan mapmaking.
“We’re not going to play by a different set of rules anymore,” he declared.
For more updates on Texas’ redistricting attempts, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.