House Speaker Mike Johnson has criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to redraw congressional boundaries, calling it an “illegal power grab.” Newsom and California Democrats unveiled the plan on Friday, aiming to counter Republican efforts in Texas, where redistricting battles led by Trump-backed lawmakers have intensified ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Johnson accused Newsom of using the plan to further his own presidential ambitions rather than focusing on the state’s pressing issues.
++ First-ever footage of sliteye shark captured in the Chagos Archipelago
In California, Newsom must hold a special election this autumn to allow voters to decide whether to suspend the state’s independent redistricting commission, a step necessary to advance the new map. In contrast, Texas Republicans require only a legislative vote before the governor signs a new map into law. The move comes after Texas Democrats left the state to break quorum during a special session, successfully blocking Republican attempts at partisan redistricting, though another session is already scheduled.
Texas Republicans are expected to pass a new map creating five additional districts likely to favour the GOP, giving them control of 30 of 38 congressional seats. Critics have accused the party of gerrymandering along racial lines, packing or cracking districts to weaken the voting power of minority communities. Meanwhile, returning Texas Democrats aim to create a legal record to challenge the map in court and to mobilise public opposition across the country.
++ Prospects of Trump-Putin summit clouded by refusal to meet Zelenskyy
Newsom has defended his actions, saying California would only redraw its map in response to Texas and describing Trump’s strategy as an attempt to “rig the system.” Johnson and the National Republican Congressional Committee have vowed to resist, arguing that the plan undermines California voters and the state constitution. Both states, as the nation’s most populous, remain central to the unfolding redistricting conflict that could shape control of the House of Representatives in 2026.
