Overview

• Gov. Gavin Newsom gave President Trump a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw support for GOP-led redistricting in Texas, warning he will redraw California’s congressional maps to counter Republican gains.
• Under Newsom’s plan, state lawmakers would override the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission and hold a November special election to approve Democratic-drawn districts through 2030.
• In Texas, more than 50 Democratic state House members remain exiled to deny Republicans a quorum, prompting GOP leaders to threaten fines, civil arrests and petitions to unseat absent legislators.
• Democratic governors in New York, Maryland and Illinois have similarly signaled plans for retaliatory map redraws if Texas approves new Republican-favorable districts, heightening interstate escalation.
• The White House and President Trump have not publicly responded to Newsom’s threat as both parties prepare for complex Voting Rights Act and state-law litigation with control of the U.S. House at stake.