California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a stern warning to President Donald Trump regarding his push for Texas Republicans to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Newsom's letter to Trump, sent on Monday, highlights the escalating tensions surrounding redistricting efforts in multiple states.

Texas Republicans initiated a controversial plan last month to redraw congressional maps in a bid to gain five additional GOP seats in the House of Representatives. This move has been met with fierce opposition from Texas Democrats, who have left the state to deny Republicans the quorum needed to vote on the redistricting proposal. In response to Trump's actions, Democratic governors, including Newsom, have pledged to undertake retaliatory redistricting efforts in their own states.

In his letter, Newsom stated, "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." He emphasized that California cannot remain passive while what he describes as a power grab unfolds in Texas and other states. Newsom urged Trump to abandon his redistricting push, warning that he is "playing with fire" and jeopardizing the stability of American democracy.

Currently, Democrats are just three seats away from a House majority, with only a limited number of competitive districts available. Newsom and other California Democrats are considering redrawing district boundaries to secure more seats for their party, but this would require voter approval to override existing maps established by an independent commission.

Trump's redistricting strategy is part of a broader effort to solidify Republican control in the House, especially after Democrats gained a majority during the 2018 midterms, which led to significant investigations into Trump's administration and two impeachment proceedings.

Newsom expressed a preference for independent bodies to handle congressional districting rather than partisan legislatures, as is the case in Texas. He reiterated that if Texas and other states halt their redistricting efforts, California would follow suit. "And American democracy will be better for it," he added.

The situation remains tense, with Texas Democratic lawmakers currently outside the state, refusing to return while Republicans pursue their redistricting agenda. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has indicated he will continue to call lawmakers back to the Statehouse until a quorum is reached, and he has threatened legal action against absent lawmakers.

As the standoff continues, Democratic leaders in other states are also preparing for potential confrontations over redistricting, setting the stage for a contentious political battle leading up to the 2026 elections.