Newsom Eyes Ripping Up GOP Districts To Pad Congressional Dems’ Ranks In Name Of ‘Democracy’

House Democrats dreaming of retaking the chamber’s majority during the midterms may have found an ally in Democratic California Gavin Newsom.

Newsom, a top foe of President Donald Trump with rumored 2028ambitions, is considering various strategies to eliminate five to seven GOP-held seats by pursuing mid-decade redistricting, Punchbowl News first reported. The ambitious redistricting threat that could pad House Democrats’ majority in the Golden State comes as Texas is mulling a plan of its own to redraw districts this cycle to boost Republicans.

“Trump said he’s going to steal 5 Congressional seats in Texas and gerrymander his way into a 2026 win,” Newsom wrote in a post on the social media platform X on Tuesday, referring to a pitch the president reportedly made to Lone Star State Republicans that day. “Well, two can play that game.”

“We want our gavels back,” California Democratic Rep. Mark Takano — who would be next in line to serve as chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee if House Democrats retake control of the lower chamber —told Punchbowl News. “That’s what this is about.”

The looming redistricting showdown between California and Texas could be instrumental in determining which party wins a House majority in 2026. House Republicans currently wield a 220-212 majority with three vacancies in Democratic-held seats.