Newsom meets with Texas Democrats over redistricting concerns

Governor Gavin Newsom and other California officials met with Texas Democratic lawmakers in Sacramento to discuss strategies for responding to efforts by Texas Republicans to redraw congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 election. The meeting focused on concerns about partisan gerrymandering, which participants described as an attempt by Republicans to secure power before votes are cast.

California leaders have proposed a potential statewide ballot measure that would reaffirm the state's commitment to independent redistricting. This measure could also give voters the option to temporarily adjust California’s congressional map if states like Texas alter theirs for political advantage.

Governor Newsom stated, "Donald Trump is tipping the scales of justice toward injustice for us all – he realizes his agenda is so unpopular that he’d rather rig the next election and prevent voters from holding him accountable and provide a check on his deeply unpopular policies. California stands ready to flex its muscle to ensure the integrity of our democracy nationwide."

Texas Representative Ann Johnson said, “We came here knowing the risks. Lawsuits, threats, and intimidation won’t stop us. We swore an oath — not to Trump, not to Abbott, and not to any party. We swore to defend the Constitution and the people we represent. We’re not backing down.”

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi commented on Republican efforts: “Now that Republicans know they are going to lose the House next year, they’re trying to change the rules to redraw Congressional district maps and rig the elections in their favor,” she said. “Democrats must respond to Republicans’ blatant partisan power grab. We cannot and will not unilaterally disarm.”

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, added: “When Republicans in Texas, Indiana, Florida and other states are lining up to steal additional congressional seats, something has to be done. I want to thank our Texas lawmakers for standing up for democracy and the rule of law. Our congressional delegation is united and ready to take on this fight with Governor Newsom and our state legislative partners. California cannot stand idly by and watch as Republicans and Donald Trump strip food programs from California schools, cut millions of Californians from their health insurance, do permanent damage to California’s clean air and clean water, and through their tariff scheme drive small businesses into bankruptcy and force hand force hard working Californians to lose their jobs. This is a blatant power grab, and we will not stand for it.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire addressed recent developments: “Today, we are at a flash point set in play by Donald Trump and Texas Republicans who see the writing on the wall that they’ll lose the midterms—and they’re trying to cheat to win. President Trump’s cynical ploy to redraw congressional maps in Texas is rotten to its core. It is our sacred responsibility to defend our democracy and the people of the Golden State, so if Texas moves forward, we need to be prepared to do the same.”

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas echoed these sentiments: “California Democrats will not allow Trump’s Republican Party to rig the system and take permanent control of the U.S. House of Representatives. We are prepared and we will fight fire with fire. We will do whatever it takes to defend our democracy. We will do whatever it takes to protect the voices, the votes, and the rights of every American.”

The meeting comes after previous discussions between Governor Newsom's office and other Texas leaders regarding ongoing special sessions in Texas where redistricting remains under debate among legislators.

A recent poll showed that 63% of likely voters in Texas view a new redistricting plan backed by former President Trump as unnecessary.

Participants at today’s meeting included Governor Gavin Newsom; Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi; Congressmember Zoe Lofgren; Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire; Senator Sabrina Cervantes; Senator Monique Limón; Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas; Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Isaac Bryan, Avelino Valencia; along with several members of both chambers from Texas.