California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a stern warning to former President Donald Trump over Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts in Texas ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. In a letter sent Monday, Newsom threatened to lead a campaign to redraw California’s own congressional maps if Texas Republicans proceed with their controversial redistricting plan. “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,” Newsom wrote.

The Texas plan, backed by GOP lawmakers, could eliminate up to five Democrat-held seats. Republicans argue that Democratic-led states like California have long engaged in gerrymandering to favor their party, using this as justification for their own redistricting efforts. In protest, Democrats in the Texas House fled the state to deny the GOP a quorum, sparking sharp criticism from Republicans who accused them of abandoning their duties amid ongoing storm recovery efforts.

Newsom reiterated his support for nonpartisan redistricting commissions, which California currently uses, but made clear that the state would not “stand idly by” while Republican-led states rig districts for political gain. He warned Trump that such actions risk “destabilizing our democracy” and that this power play could ignite a larger national conflict over the integrity of elections.

In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued his own threat, suggesting Texas could eliminate even more Democratic districts if California retaliates. Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has petitioned the state’s Supreme Court to declare 13 Democratic seats vacant, citing lawmakers’ extended absences from legislative sessions.

The redistricting clash underscores high political stakes heading into 2026, as both parties fight for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats are currently just three seats away from reclaiming the majority, and only a few dozen districts nationwide remain truly competitive.