In a bold move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has called on President Donald Trump to intervene and stop Republican-led efforts to redraw Congressional maps in Texas and other red states.
According to the Daily Caller, this escalating conflict between Democratic and Republican states over mid-decade redistricting could significantly alter Congressional representation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The tension over redistricting began intensifying over the weekend, setting the stage for a heated political battle. On Monday, Newsom sent a formal letter to Trump, outlining his concerns about the GOP's plans in Texas. He labeled the proposed Texas map as a severe partisan maneuver, calling it an insult to democratic principles.
Newsom specifically criticized the Texas redistricting proposal, which could result in a Congressional delegation of 8 Democratic seats and 30 Republican seats. This would mean Democrats hold just 21% of Texas's House seats, a significant imbalance in representation. Newsom argued that such a shift undermines fair electoral processes across the nation.
In response, Newsom threatened to push for a ballot initiative in California that would redraw the state's Congressional map to favor Democrats. Currently, California has 9 Republican seats out of 52 total House seats, accounting for 17% of the delegation. If his initiative passes, up to 5 Republican seats could be redrawn, dropping their share to a mere 8%.
In his letter to Trump, Newsom issued a stark warning about the consequences of continued redistricting in red states. "You are playing with fire, risking the destabilization of our democracy, while knowing that California can neutralize any gains you hope to make," he wrote. He added a conditional offer to halt California's plans if red states abandon their efforts.
Newsom further clarified his position in the letter, emphasizing a potential resolution. "If you will not stand down, I will be forced to lead an effort to redraw the maps in California to offset the rigging of maps in red states," he stated. "But if the other states call off their redistricting efforts, we will happily do the same. And American democracy will be better for it," he continued.
Meanwhile, Republicans are reportedly eyeing similar redistricting moves in other states like Indiana, Florida, Missouri, and Ohio before the 2026 midterms. In Florida, House Speaker Daniel Perez has already formed a Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting in early August. Florida's current delegation stands at 20 Republican seats and 8 Democratic seats, with potential for further GOP gains.
In Ohio, where Democrats hold 5 of 15 House seats, Republicans could secure 2 or 3 additional seats through redistricting. Indiana's map redraw could hand Republicans up to 2 more seats, potentially giving them all 9 House seats in the state. Missouri might see Republicans gain one additional seat if their redistricting plans move forward.
The redistricting debate has drawn criticism from other Democratic leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Speaking on "Meet The Press" on Sunday, Pritzker condemned the Texas proposal as a direct attack on voting rights. "As I say, what they're talking about is a distraction. The reality is the violation of people's voting rights is what Texas is attempting to do," he said.
Pritzker also pointed to Trump's role in encouraging these efforts, amplifying Democratic concerns. "That's what's wrong with their efforts right now and the fact that the president of the United States knows it and nevertheless, is asking them to do it," he stated. "That is what's wrong with what we're seeing right now," Pritzker added, highlighting the broader implications.
Illinois itself has a heavily gerrymandered map, with Republicans holding just 18% of the state's House seats. This context adds another layer to Pritzker's critique of Republican efforts in Texas and elsewhere. The disparity in representation fuels the ongoing national debate over fair map-drawing practices.
The current redistricting battle underscores a growing divide between Democratic and Republican states on electoral fairness. With the 2026 midterms approaching, these map changes could reshape the balance of power in Congress.
Both sides appear poised for a contentious fight over the future of American democracy.