California Gov. Gavin Newsom has threatened to “fight fire with fire” as Texas Republicans move to redraw congressional districts in a high-stakes standoff that could shift the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The showdown escalated after Texas Republicans advanced a congressional map slated to add as many as five new GOP seats next year in a move that has resulted in outrage from the Democratic party, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Newsom said over the weekend that any work to redistrict the Lone Star State would result in changes to the California map, claiming that the work done in Texas would be negated by potential moves in his home state.
“But we also will punch above our weight in terms of the impact of what we’re doing, and I think that should be absorbed by those in the Texas delegation, whatever they are doing, will be neutered here in the state of California, and they will pay that price,” he said, as reported by The Sacramento Bee.
Additionally, Newsom said at a press conference earlier this week that there is already legislation prepared for that scenario.
“The proposal that we’re advancing with the legislature has a trigger only if they move forward, to dismantling the protocols that are well-established,” he said, per Fox News. “Would the state of California move forward in kind? Fighting? Yes, fire with fire.”
Newsom has also hinted at the possibility of redistricting on social media, replying to a post on X that claims potential redistricting could result in the entire state being run by Democrats.
California’s system, though originally set up as a national model for independent redistricting, has faced criticism for producing maps with odd shapes and protecting incumbents after party operatives exerted significant behind-the-scenes influence.
This criticism reached a tipping point when Vice President J.D. Vance called out the state for its districts, writing on social media that it is an “outrageous” setup.
Back in Texas, Democrats have resorted to extraordinary measures in an attempt to avoid redistricting.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, dozens of Democratic leaders fled the state in a bid to deny Republicans a quorum and block any potential legislation on the matter, prompting strong moves by Republican leadership in an attempt to make them return.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called for dramatic action to be taken against those who have left the state, announcing on social media that he has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest those who were not in attendance.
As the Texas House remains at a standstill, eyes remain on California to see if the country is headed towards an all-out redistricting arms race.
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