Democrats cheered Thursday as Gavin Newsom delivered a fiery attack on the GOP's redistricting efforts.
Newsom announced during a press conference that California would move forward with a special legislative session to redraw its electoral maps to counter the efforts of Texas Republicans. California voters would decide on new electoral maps during the Nov. 4 special election.
"I know they say, 'Don't mess with Texas.' Well, don't mess with the great Golden State," Newsom said at the event.
The governor also took the opportunity to jab at President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents also conducted a sweep outside the event.
"He is a failed president," Newsom said. "Who else sends ICE at the same time while having a conversation like this? Someone who is weak. Someone who is broken. Someone whose weakness is masquerading as a strength."
Democrats responded to the speech on social media, many of whom applauded Newsom's tough tone.
"This rally was a shot across the bow," Karoli Kuns, managing editor of the progressive news outlet Crooks and Liars, posted on Bluesky. "I don't think people realize how important this moment is, but he's got Texas in a box. If they go forward with their redistricting for 5 seats, CA will add 9. And NY will, and IL will, and MD."
"They've poked the bear. Literally," Kuns added.
"California is leading the charge against Trump and Republican power-grab gerrymandering tactics. Newsom is calling for a special election — that will lead to new maps," Christopher Webb, a Democratic analyst, wrote on Bluesky.
"The GOP started this. So we'll finish it," Raw Story columnist D. Earl Stephens wrote on Bluesky.