The Government Is Shut Down, and I'm All for It
More Patriots Are Dropping Sombrero Memes...and the Libs Likely Suffered a Massive Stroke...
No Apologies: Proud to Stand With Israel, Proud to Defend the West
Trump Posted a New Clip Trolling Hakeem Jeffries...and Another That's Really Going to...
Let's Stop Pretending About Charlie Kirk's Assassination
Empty Lives
Amidst Concerns About Left-Wing Lawfare, States Should Review Who They Have on Contract...
In Every Government Shutdown, the Media Are Eager Democrat Helpers
Donald Trump: Energy in the Executive
It’s Time to Choose Cooperation Over Continued Chaos
Talking Point vs. Truth
Direct Democracy Can Save Younger Generations From Penury
Duty Drawback Benefits American Manufacturers and Exporters
From Classrooms to Unions: How 'Anti-Fascism' Poisoned Education
The Trump Administration Is Pursuing Peace, Now It’s Time for the Biggest Challenge...
Tipsheet

Newsom to California Voters: Let Me Rig the Maps Like Texas

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

With Texas Governor Greg Abbott heeding the calls from President Trump to redistrict Texas's congressional map to hold on to the Republican controlled House of Representatives, California Governor Gavin Newsom discussed doing the same at a press conference on Thursday.

Advertisement

He said that in response to Governor Abbott, “a special election would be called, likely to be the first week of November,” to redraw the congressional map in California.

California’s congressional lines are drawn by an independent commission, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. Back in 2008, this reform was approved by voters to take the process out of politicians’ hands. But now, in a special election, Gavin Newsom wants to undo that. He’s asking voters to hand redistricting power back to the partisans. “We will go to the people of this state in a transparent way and ask them to consider the new circumstances, to consider these new realities,” he said.

“They’re doing a midterm rejection of objectivity and independence, an act that we could criticize from the sideline, or an act that we can respond to in kind – fight fire with fire,” Newsom continued. 

Newsom also said that Texas may not be the only Republican state to redistrict. “And it won’t just happen in Texas. I imagine he’s making similar calls all across this country. It’s a big deal. I don’t think it gets much bigger.” Ohio has to redraw its congressional map ahead of 2026, and Republicans are eyeing new advantages in Missouri and Indiana as well.

Advertisement

This effort is likely to be extremely expensive and "politically perilous," according to Politico. Newsom would be betting everything on anti-Trump sentiment being strong enough to convince voters to hand redistricting power back to the politicians, for openly partisan purposes. He and his allies would have to raise massive amounts of money fast, just to educate and turn out voters in time. And while national Democratic groups might line up behind him, Trump and the right would have every reason to jump in and make an example out of Newsom and the Democrat Party.

Steve Hilton, a Fox News contributor, argued that Newsom is not responding to Texas but is furthering his bid as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency in 2028.

Newsom can not achieve his aims unilaterally. To get the measure on a ballot, two-thirds of both Houses of the state legislature would have to approve. California does hold supermajorities in both its House and Senate.

Advertisement

Originally, Gavin Newsom floated having the State Legislature simply redraw the maps, circumventing the independent commission and the voters who enshrined it. He backed away from that option during his Thursday press conference.

“We’re not here to eliminate the [independent redistricting] commission. We’re here to provide a pathway in ’26, ’28, and in 2030 for congressional maps on the basis of a response to the rigging of the system of the president of the United States,” he said.  

Newsom says he’s responding to Trump. His critics say he’s laying the groundwork for 2028. Either way, he’s asking Californians to trade independence for partisanship, and to do it fast. What started as a state-level reform fight may now turn into the next national proxy war.

Editor's Note: President Trump is leading America into the "Golden Age" as Democrats try desperately to stop it.  

Help us continue to report on President Trump's successes. Join Townhall VIP and use promo code FIGHT for 60% off your membership.

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Recommended

Trending on Townhall Videos