Gavin Newsom's Warning to Donald Trump Over Plan for Texas Republicans [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Jul 15, 2025 at 5:21 PM EDT


California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a warning to President Donald Trump and Texas Republicans amid growing attempts at redrawing Texas's congressional districts to further favor Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms. A spokesperson for Newsom told Newsweek his office is "closely tracking what Texas does" and "exploring potential options." Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email.

Why It Matters

Democrats are increasingly optimistic about their chances of retaking control of the House of Representatives next November. Trump's approval rating has struggled in many recent polls, and the party in the White House historically loses seats during the midterms.

Texas Republicans, however, are eyeing a plan to limit losses by redrawing the state's Congressional boundaries to benefit the party. Trump on Tuesday said he would like to see five new GOP seats in Texas, according to reporting by Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News. If Republicans move forward with that plan, it could cost Democrats seats in Congress, fueling calls for Democrats to do the same in their states.

What to Know

Newsom on Tuesday responded to a post on X from Sherman about the Texas plan by simply writing, "Two can play this game." Currently, Democrats hold 43 of California's Congressional seats, while Republicans hold only nine seats. Trump, meanwhile, received 38 percent of the state's votes. On the other hand, in Texas, Republicans currently hold 25 seats compared to Democrats' 13 seats. Texas is closer than California, with Harris receiving 42 percent of the vote last November.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/gavin-newsom-warning-donald-trump-texas-republican-redistricting-2099433

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