California Governor Gavin Newsom has delivered a sharp warning to President Donald Trump, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum demanding that he stop Republican-controlled states from pursuing mid-cycle redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
According to Newsom, if Trump refuses to intervene, California will move forward with its own redistricting efforts—a move he says is designed to counter GOP-led changes and secure additional Democratic seats.
Newsom Threatens Retaliatory Redistricting
In a statement released by his office, Newsom announced plans for a major press conference later this week if Trump does not stand down.
“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 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.”
The White House has not responded to requests for comment regarding Newsom’s ultimatum.
National Redistricting Battle Intensifies
Newsom’s move comes as the fight over Texas’ congressional map spreads across multiple states, including Indiana. With Democrats needing to flip just three seats to reclaim control of the House, Republicans are pushing aggressive redistricting strategies in several regions.
President Trump has reportedly pressured the Texas Legislature to adopt a new map projected to give Republicans five additional congressional seats. Democrats nationwide have condemned the push, while Texas Democrats fled the state to avoid voting on the proposal—some taking temporary residence in California.
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance traveled to Indiana to encourage Republicans to pursue redistricting there as well. Ohio is already required to redraw its districts, while states such as Missouri, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida are reportedly considering changes. In total, Republicans could potentially gain 10 or more seats before the 2026 midterms.
Newsom Calls GOP Strategy a Threat to Democracy
On Monday, Newsom criticized the GOP-led redistricting efforts as “hyper-partisan” and an attempt to manipulate the upcoming elections.
“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. “This attempt to rig congressional maps before a single vote is cast in the 2026 election is an affront to American democracy.”
While Democrats have previously hinted they might counter with their own gerrymandering plans, no Democratic-led redistricting actions have been formally launched—at least for now.
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