3:23California Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with several members of the Texas state Legislature, advocates for a new method for California to reshape its voting districts during a press conference in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, July 25, 2025. Rich Pedroncelli/AP
MADISON, Wisc. — — A group of prominent Democratic governors is poised to take action, vigorously supporting their peers who have announced plans to create new Congressional maps to benefit Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, directly countering the efforts of Texas Republicans to do the same for their party.
Just this week, Texas GOP lawmakers unveiled their initial draft of the state’s new congressional map, which has the potential to change three to five Democratic seats in next year’s midterms.
On Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom quickly reacted, indicating that he had communicated with state legislators and congressional members regarding holding a special statewide election on Nov. 4, where Californians would vote on new congressional maps that would likely favor Democrats.
Gathering later in the week for a summer policy retreat on the shores of Madison, Wisconsin, several leading Democratic governors have expressed their support for Newsom and other blue state leaders adopting a proactive stance on redistricting.
The Democrats did so with reluctance, labeling the actions of Texas Republicans as “unconstitutional” and “un-American,” hoping for judicial intervention before any new maps influenced by either party are put into effect. Meanwhile, they contend that it is essential to oppose the GOP-led redistricting championed by Trump, especially now that additional Republican-controlled states, such as Missouri, may follow suit.
"That is so un-American, and it constitutes a persistent threat to our democracy," remarked Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers regarding Republican proposals. "So I’m genuinely frustrated, and we will do everything in our power to prevent this from occurring."
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with several members of the Texas state Legislature, advocates for a new method for California to reshape its voting districts during a press conference in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, July 25, 2025. Rich Pedroncelli/AP
Gov. Laura Kelly of Kansas, the Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, openly supported Newsom, Kathy Hochul of New York, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and any other governors considering counteractions through special elections, special sessions, or other means of redrawing congressional maps.
"I have never believed in unilateral disarmament, so while I may not wish to engage in certain actions, if necessary, to level the playing field, I would back my Democratic colleagues who choose to respond in kind," Kelly stated in an interview.
"If the opposing side is going to pursue this, regardless of its evident unconstitutionality, then we have no option but to follow suit. You simply cannot approach the front lines without your ammunition," Kelly added.
Kelly expressed her strong "preference" for judicial intervention. "In fact, it might actually work to our advantage, you know, to engage in this manner. Okay, we’ll also participate in this game, and we’ll all end up in court."
Then, Kelly stated, "we all suffer losses."
The redistricting process may present significant challenges for Democrats, who have fewer opportunities to gerrymander nationwide compared to their counterparts due to the diverse regulations present in each state.
In many Republican-led states, it is the duty of partisan legislatures to delineate the boundaries of all electoral districts. Conversely, several Democratic states employ independent citizen-redistricting commissions, a practice aimed at ensuring fairness and curbing gerrymandering.
"I do have concerns," Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz remarked during the press conference in Madison, regarding the potential outcome for Democrats if they choose to engage in the redistricting battle.
However, Kelly interjected, "there’s a greater risk in remaining inactive."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
