California Governor Gavin Newsom is scheduled to hold a press conference on Thursday to discuss the state's response to recent redistricting efforts led by Republican officials in Texas. Newsom, a Democrat, has indicated that the announcement will be significant, stating, "Donald Trump and Greg Abbott are going to have a very bad day today."

The backdrop for this announcement involves Texas Governor Greg Abbott's call for a special legislative session aimed at voting on a redistricting map that could help Republicans maintain control of Congress in the upcoming 2026 midterms. In response, Texas Democrats have left the state to prevent a quorum, seeking refuge in states like Illinois and New York. Abbott has issued civil arrest orders for the absent lawmakers in an attempt to compel their return for the vote.

As tensions rise, Florida has also announced plans for mid-decade redistricting. In California, Newsom has threatened to redraw congressional maps in retaliation. Other Democratic leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have expressed similar intentions.

In a recent statement, Newsom emphasized that California would proceed with drawing new congressional maps that he believes could help Democrats regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. He previously sent a letter to President Trump, urging him to persuade Abbott and other Republican governors to abandon their redistricting efforts, which could potentially flip three to five congressional seats in Texas.

Currently, Republicans hold a narrow majority in the U.S. House, with 219 seats compared to the Democrats' 212. Other states, including Missouri and Indiana, are also considering mid-decade redistricting in light of Texas' actions.

Newsom has proposed a special election on November 4 for Californians to vote on new congressional maps, which would temporarily bypass the state's independent redistricting commission. This commission was established to prevent gerrymandering and reduce partisan influence in the redistricting process. However, both Democrats and Republicans in California have raised concerns about sidelining the commission.

While no specific maps have been released, sources indicate that the proposed changes could target five Republican-held seats, mirroring Texas' strategy. However, if lawmakers do not declare a special election by August 22, it may be challenging to conduct a statewide election that meets federal standards. California elections officials have also highlighted federal deadlines that could complicate the process.

Republicans have criticized Newsom's plans. U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, a Republican from California, has introduced a bill aimed at nullifying any new congressional maps proposed before the next U.S. census. He stated, "Gavin Newsom is a unique threat to democracy. He is trying to overturn the will of voters … So I've introduced this bill saying this cannot be done."

As the situation unfolds, Texas Democrats remain outside the state, attempting to delay the legislative session. Abbott has expressed a willingness to proceed with legislative work if Democrats return but has also indicated that law enforcement options remain on the table to bring them back. Texas House Democratic Caucus chair Rep. Gene Wu has called for a focus on flood relief efforts, urging Abbott to collaborate with Democrats during the special session.