In a striking moment on national television, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) voiced support for California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s alarming claim that Republican strategies are undermining the fairness of the 2026 midterm elections.
According to Breitbart, during a recent CNN interview, Pelosi echoed Newsom’s concerns about Republican gerrymandering efforts, particularly in Texas, and discussed potential countermeasures in California to secure more Democratic seats.
The conversation unfolded on CNN’s “The Lead” during a Wednesday broadcast, though the exact date wasn’t specified. Host Jake Tapper interviewed Pelosi, diving into pressing political issues ahead of the 2026 midterms. Tapper brought up Newsom’s bold statement that the upcoming elections are being manipulated by Republican actions. Pelosi didn’t hesitate to align herself with Newsom’s perspective. She confirmed her agreement, stating, “Yes,” before elaborating on the specifics of the issue. Her focus quickly turned to what she described as troubling redistricting moves by Republicans.
In her remarks, Pelosi pointed to Texas as a primary example of problematic gerrymandering. She highlighted how these efforts are leading to the loss of numerous minority representation seats. This, she argued, weakens the diversity essential to Congress.
Turning to her home state, Pelosi explained California’s distinct redistricting process. Unlike Texas, California relies on a commission to draw district boundaries. This system, she noted, aims to avoid the partisan manipulation seen elsewhere.
However, Pelosi indicated that California might not stick to this model if Texas proceeds with its plans. She suggested a temporary adjustment to the commission’s approach could be made. This change would aim to secure additional Democratic seats in response.
Pelosi was clear that any alteration in California would not be permanent. She emphasized that the commission would resume its standard role in the following cycle. The goal, she implied, is a short-term counter to Republican tactics.
During the interview, Pelosi shared her broader ambitions for the Democratic Party. She noted that only a few seats are needed to reclaim the House majority. Personally, though, she aims for a much larger gain of 30 seats. Pelosi didn’t hold back in critiquing Republican strategies. She accused them of lacking fresh ideas, calling it a “poverty of vision.” This, she claimed, drives their reliance on redistricting maneuvers to retain power.
In her own words, Pelosi addressed the Texas situation directly, saying, “But before I go into that, let me just say that what you just described was the elimination of many minority seats in Texas, and that’s unfortunate, because the gerrymandering that they’re doing is also undermining the diversity that we need to have in the Congress.” She continued, “As far as California is concerned, we would go to a commission.” Further, she added, “We have a commission-based redistricting, instead of the gerrymandering that they’re doing in Texas.”
Pelosi elaborated, “We’ve had a commission that has drawn the lines in California, we would alter that a bit in order to pick up the seats that we need.” She clarified the condition, stating, “It’s not necessary if Texas doesn’t do this.” She also linked these actions to broader Republican struggles across the nation.
Continuing her point, Pelosi remarked on the national stakes, saying, “But the Texas redistricting, and what the president has talked about in other parts [of] the country is indicative of the poverty of ideas that the Republicans have and they have to resort to this kind of gimmickry in order to try to hold the House.” She affirmed Democratic resolve, adding, “But we will hold the House and we will participate in California if Texas decides to go forward.” Her confidence underscored a determination to counter any perceived unfair advantage.
Host Jake Tapper pressed Pelosi on California’s potential actions. He asked if she supported a reciprocal redistricting strategy to favor Democrats. His question reflected the growing tension between state-level political maneuvers. Tapper also referenced Newsom’s stark warning during the segment. He quoted the governor as saying the 2026 election is being unfairly influenced. This set the stage for Pelosi’s detailed response on the issue.
In a separate quote, Pelosi reiterated her stance, saying, “Absolutely, absolutely. But it’s who they are.” She emphasized the high stakes, noting, “But, again, so much is at stake in this election.” Her words conveyed a sense of urgency for the upcoming midterms. Pelosi further stated, “We fully intend to take back the House.” She quantified the goal, adding, “We only need about three seats. I want 30, of course.” This ambition highlighted her aggressive target for Democratic gains.
She also addressed California’s potential, saying, “And they know that. That’s why they have to go into this rigging process.” Pelosi affirmed, “But we will — again, we have the capacity to have more seats in California.” She outlined options, noting wins could come through elections or commission changes. Finally, Pelosi reiterated the temporary nature of any commission shift. She concluded, “We can win them in the election or we can ensure them in the change in the commission, now, with the caveat that the commission would, in the next redistricting, go back to drawing the lines.” This underscored her commitment to eventual fairness in the process.