Political Maneuvering in California and Texas
Picture this: what if Washington had to explain itself to President Trump? It sounds unusual, right? Yet, it hints at a certain dynamic where checks and balances are working as intended.
Appealing, isn’t it?
Democrats are eyeing a critical mission for 2026—they need to secure three additional seats in Congress and reclaim control of the House to rein in the President, whom they believe is, well, somewhat fraudulent. Trump is acutely aware of this, which is likely why he’s pushing for significant changes in Texas. There’s talk of redrawing district boundaries ahead of the midterm elections.
For decades, Republicans have had a stronghold over Texas, controlling 25 of the 38 congressional seats. The upcoming special session in Austin aims to bolster that number by up to five seats, which could substantially strengthen GOP influence.
Now, enter California’s Governor Gavin Newsom. Recently, during a campaign swing, he discussed the current Republican landscape, seemingly rolling up his sleeves and casually dropping expletives to emphasize his authenticity.
Newsom remarked on Texas’s political climate, stating, “They aren’t playing by the same rules anymore.” He noted that California took a different route years ago by establishing an independent commission to determine congressional maps, typically updated every decade post-census.
However, he pointed out, the Democrats in Sacramento aren’t engaging in the same kind of gerrymandering happening elsewhere.
“We’ve played fairly,” he asserted, while accusing Abbott and his peers of undermining the integrity of the process. On social media, he further criticized Texas Republicans, saying, “California is watching.”
There are certain aspects of Texas politics that are peculiar; it’s a whole different environment, without the cowboy hats and boots, of course.
Voters in California have intentionally stripped district-drawing powers from the governor and lawmakers, and despite any challenges from Democratic leaders, it appears unlikely that Newsom can simply regain that authority.
Justin Levitt, a legal expert from Loyola Law School, emphasized, “We have a committee.” He elaborated that the constitutional framework mandates a review every decade unless legal issues arise with existing maps.
To put it simply, it’s not as straightforward as changing existing boundaries for political gain.
Back in 2010, California voters approved a measure to establish a nonpartisan 14-member committee to draw congressional boundaries, intending to foster competition and reduce self-serving redistricting. This initiative was widely supported, winning 61% to 39% in favor.
Since then, California has transformed into a competitive political battleground, particularly significant in recent presidential elections. By 2026, many of the state’s 52 seats could potentially be competitive.
“I think it worked,” said Sarah Sadwani, a professor of politics at Pomona University and a member of the committee overseeing these changes.
There are two paths for Newsom and Democrats to alter this setup, as Levitt explained. They could break existing laws, pass new regulations, and potentially face lawsuits, hoping for a favorable ruling from the California Supreme Court. Alternatively, they could push for new policies through a special election before midterms in 2026.
Both options seem as far-fetched as fulfilling multiple ambitious promises, such as universal healthcare and housing for millions.
To be clear, none of these actions would directly facilitate the plans that Trump and Abbott have in mind. Their strategies seem politically aggressive and maybe a bit cynical, particularly given recent rulings that indicate some Texas districts were unconstitutional due to racial gerrymandering.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t give Newsom the right to sidestep California voters. And pushing for costly special elections could backfire while the state grapples with financial deficits.
In a political environment based on retaliation, there’s the potential for dangers. While some Democrats might feel energized by Newsom’s bold statements, they could also grow weary of a lack of substantive action.
His reputation for follow-through isn’t exactly stellar, which could hinder his standing on a national stage.
