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California Governor Gavin Newsom rallied Democrats in Houston on Saturday, declaring that regaining control of the House of Representatives in 2026 is “the whole thing” for the Democratic Party. The governor’s Texas appearance came just days after California voters approved Proposition 50, a redistricting measure that favors Democrats in the state’s congressional map.
“There were lines around the block two hours after polling had stopped because people wanted to be heard, not just seen, they wanted to send a message,” Newsom told the enthusiastic crowd in Houston. “But as I said, we cannot rest until we take it back.”
The 58-year-old governor emphasized the importance of the upcoming battle for House control, stating, “There is no more important race in our lifetimes than the House of Representatives, and taking back the House and getting Speaker [Hakeem] Jeffries sworn in next November. It’s the whole thing.”
Proposition 50 passed by a significant margin in California on Tuesday, representing a direct response to Texas’ legislative redistricting earlier this year that favored Republican candidates. Following the measure’s success, Newsom urged other Democratic-led states to follow California’s example, suggesting that coordinated redistricting efforts could dramatically alter the national political landscape.
“We need to see other states, their remarkable leaders that have been doing remarkable things, meet this moment head-on as well,” Newsom said during a late-night news conference on Tuesday. “We can de facto end Donald Trump’s presidency as we know it, the minute Speaker Jeffries gets sworn in as speaker of the House of Representatives. It is all on the line.”
The governor couldn’t resist taking aim at President Trump during his Texas appearance, calling him “historically unpopular” and noting that Republicans “had a very bad night on Tuesday.” Democrats secured victories in gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, while Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani defeated Democrat-turned-Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral election.
Newsom’s appearance in Texas—deep in Republican territory—signals his growing national profile and willingness to take the redistricting fight directly to red states. “We can shape the future here in Texas. We can shape the future all across the South and across the United States of America. You have that power,” he told attendees.
The redistricting battle represents a significant escalation in the ongoing struggle for control of the House. Trump and Republican strategists have been actively working to strengthen the GOP’s narrow House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms, when the president’s party traditionally faces challenges. Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio have already drawn new congressional maps as part of this Republican effort.
For Trump, preventing a repeat of 2018—when Democrats reclaimed the House during his first term—appears to be a key priority. The president’s team recognizes that a Democratic-controlled House could significantly impede his second-term agenda.
Meanwhile, other Democratic governors with potential national ambitions are considering similar redistricting moves. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Maryland Governor Wes Moore are reportedly exploring new maps that could create additional Democratic-leaning congressional districts in their states. However, Newsom has emerged as the most visible leader in the redistricting effort and the first Democrat to successfully implement such changes.
Although Newsom has not announced intentions to run for president, political observers widely consider him a potential frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in 2028. His high-profile advocacy on redistricting, combined with his willingness to campaign in Republican strongholds like Texas, suggests he may be building a national political platform.
The success of Proposition 50 in California and Newsom’s subsequent victory tour highlights how redistricting has become a central battleground in American politics, with both parties seeking to gain structural advantages through the drawing of congressional maps as they position themselves for future electoral contests.
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5 Comments
I’m a bit skeptical of Newsom’s bold claims about reclaiming the House. It’s a lofty goal, and a lot can happen between now and 2026. Still, I appreciate his passion and willingness to take the fight to Texas. This should make for an intriguing political dynamic.
Newsom’s comments on the importance of the House race highlight the high stakes for both parties. It will be a closely watched battle, given the potential implications for the next presidential election. I’m interested to see how the campaigns unfold.
Newsom seems to be taking a proactive approach by rallying the troops in Texas. I wonder if this is part of a broader strategy to energize the Democratic base and get them engaged early. It could pay dividends if they can capitalize on the momentum.
Interesting to see Newsom making a play for the House in 2026. As a Californian, I’m curious to hear more about Prop 50 and how it impacts congressional redistricting in the state. Seems like a strategic move by Democrats to counter Texas’ redistricting efforts.
As someone with an interest in energy and commodities, I’m curious how the 2026 House race might impact policies around mining, minerals, and related industries. Will the Democrats take a different approach than the current Republican majority? Something to keep an eye on.