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Newsom Challenges Trump Over Redistricting Battle Ahead of 2026 Midterms

California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a direct warning to former President Donald Trump on Monday, signaling that if Trump does not pressure Texas and other Republican-controlled states to halt aggressive congressional redistricting, California will respond by redrawing its own maps.

Newsom’s letter accuses GOP lawmakers of attempting to manipulate district boundaries to secure an additional five Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives — a move he says risks destabilizing American democracy.

The Stakes: Control of the House Hinges on Redistricting

Currently, Democrats need to flip just three seats in the House to regain the majority in the 2026 midterm elections. Texas Republicans’ push to redraw maps is widely seen as a calculated effort to tip the balance further in their favor, potentially expanding GOP representation by five seats.

Trump publicly endorsed this plan last week during a CNBC interview, stating that Republicans are “entitled to five more seats.” He also accused Democratic-led states like California and Illinois of gerrymandering districts to maintain their own electoral advantages.

Newsom’s Firm Stance Against Gerrymandering

In his letter to Trump, Newsom condemned the proposed redistricting as an “affront to American democracy” and warned that California will not “stand idly by” if Republican efforts proceed. He made it clear that California is prepared to redraw its congressional districts to neutralize any partisan gains made by GOP-led states.

“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,” Newsom wrote, adding that the state would suspend its efforts if other states also call off their redistricting campaigns.

Rising Tensions and Political Maneuvers in Texas

The conflict has intensified as Democratic Texas lawmakers fled the state last week, aiming to deny Republicans the quorum needed to pass the redistricting legislation. Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded by threatening arrests for those who refuse to return.

“If they want to evade that arrest, they’re going to stay outside of the state of Texas for literally years,” Abbott declared on Fox News.

Redistricting battles are not limited to Texas; states like Indiana are also gearing up for aggressive map redraws ahead of the 2026 elections, signaling a nationwide escalation in partisan efforts to influence congressional control.

What’s Next?

As the fight over redistricting heats up, both parties are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown that could shape the balance of power in Congress for years to come. Newsom’s bold move to counter Texas GOP efforts highlights the growing tensions and the increasingly strategic nature of electoral map drawing.

The White House has not yet responded to Newsom’s letter or the escalating redistricting conflicts.