Texas Republicans’ Redistricting Move and Newsom’s Response

In a significant step, Texas Republicans are set to redraw their legislative map. This effort aims to strengthen President Trump’s position and provide the GOP with an advantage in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

Governor Gavin Newsom has hinted at countering Texas’s actions by suggesting that California might resort to its own gerrymandering to balance the scales in favor of Democrats.

This would mean overlooking a political framework established by an independent civic committee almost two decades ago, which sought to eliminate manipulation by politicians in drawing district lines.

Columnists Mark Z. Barabak and Anita Chhabria have expressed strong opposition to Newsom’s proposed response. They shared their thoughts on the matter.

Barabak: Newsom, potentially eyeing a presidential run, is adept at navigating political currents, but his focus on retaliation seems misguided. While it’s clear that he aims to create a partisan advantage, this approach neglects the preferences of California voters. It’s just not right!

While I can understand the emotions motivating Newsom’s stance, it could lead to substantial backlash.

Historically, the media has frequently missed the mark on major political moves, and this one might just belong in that category.

Chhabria: I suspect that many see this as a mere partisan ploy. But a more pressing concern emerges—how seriously do we consider the threats to our democracy?

If Mark believes this will blow over and our elections will remain unaffected, I wonder if he’s being overly optimistic. Especially given that California is one of the few states where voters have ensured that electoral maps are drawn fairly and impartially.

If, like me, you think we’re teetering on the edge of losing democratic principles to authoritarianism, then Newsom’s comments about taking action seem more timely than ever. Recently, he remarked that we can either remain passive observers or acknowledge the crucial state we’re in—this reflects both his views and mine.

So, I’ll ask: Do you believe our democracy is robust? Or is this merely a period of dissatisfaction that will ultimately fade away?

Barabak: I certainly hope it’s the latter.

But I can’t help but feel we’ve underestimated Trump and his actions. He embodies authoritarianism and poses a genuine threat to democracy.

However, strategies like those suggested by Newsom often act as double-edged swords. They may yield short-term gains but could inflict long-standing damage.

Take, for instance, the Democrats’ frustration back in 2013 over the Republican blockade during Obama’s presidency. This led Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to trigger a “nuclear option” to change the rules on judicial nominations.

The fallout included a slew of Trump-appointed officials, resulting in a conservative majority in the Supreme Court.

If the Democrats choose to engage in a territorial battle over redistricting, they may find themselves outmaneuvered in states like Florida or Missouri.

Chhabria: Absolutely. Yet, I would support any measures, even risky ones, if it truly safeguards our democracy. The reality is that the only meaningful way to counter Trump’s influence is through electoral gains in 2026.

If Texas Republicans succeed in redrawing five seats favoring their party without immediate repercussions, it could further entrench Trump’s authoritarian approach.

Interestingly, gerrymandering is more prevalent than many realize. Recently, Kevin Johnson of the Election Reformers Network noted that a staggering 83% of states engage in some form of it.

The truly competitive elections tend to occur in states where independent groups draw district maps, like California. But to play devil’s advocate, one could argue we’re already losing ground to gerrymandering.

This issue could be addressed if future leaders, regardless of their party, choose to take action. I personally prioritize democracy over partisan politics.

So, if California’s potential gerrymandering results in a Congress that checks authoritarianism, could that be justified?

Barabak: Your predictions may be less certain than mine.

It’s not guaranteed that Texas will see solid GOP control, even with the new districts. And yes, I firmly hold Trump and his allies responsible for the current political climate.

Historically, the opposition party has gained back over 20 House seats in midterm elections since WWII. To regain control, Democrats need to secure three additional seats.

As you mentioned, aggressive redistricting could backfire if it spreads Republican voters too thinly and opens opportunities for Democrats.

Californians will likely weigh in on Newsom’s redistricting if a special election occurs to override the committee’s decisions.

The broader question is whether we’re willingly handing over power to politicians. At this point, Newsom may not be enjoying the goodwill he assumes; his polling reflects that.

He recently campaigned in South Carolina, where there are no truly competitive races, while back in California, he seems to sidestep local contests.

Chhabria: I don’t have definitive answers, just a sense of unease mixed with hope for a shift toward progressive ideals.

In his latest comments, Newsom insisted that his redistricting plans are serious and he’s considering various options.

Among them is the idea of legal gambling, as current laws tie redistricting to the census but don’t explicitly preclude gerrymandering in the interim. There’s a notion he might exploit certain loopholes for short-term gains that could fade post-census.

While that may seem dramatic, it highlights a growing frustration. Many still treat political maneuvering as business as usual. Even if driven by personal ambition for the 2028 presidential race, Newsom’s actions force a vital conversation about how we address these issues.

This battle is unlike previous ones.

Barabak: I know this might come off as naive, but I believe that these troubling times can still be improved through voting.

There’s a competitive Senate race brewing in Texas next year. If voters oppose the current trajectory dictated by aggressive GOP politicians, they can express their discontent through their votes and help shift the balance.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the electorate. If they hope to safeguard democracy, it’s up to them, not the politicians.