California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed a series of bills calling for new congressional maps that could add up to five Democratic seats in Congress, a response to an ongoing, Trump-led effort in Texas to use redistricting there to carve out five additional GOP seats.

California passes bills to let voters redraw U.S. House maps in 2026, countering Texas’ planned redistricting to boost GOP seats. (Scripps News)

California Governor Gavin Newsom may be leading Democrats down the road to ruin with his plans to counter Texas redistricting, opening the door for Republicans to draw their own more advantageous congressional maps around the country.

Democrats are searching for a leader to take on President Trump. Gov. Gavin Newsom embraced that role with new online trolling and a proposed gerrymander to counter a GOP power play in Texas.

Texas Democrat state Rep. Nicole Collier had to abruptly leave a call with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other party members after she was told she was committing a felony.

Democratic state Representative Nicole Collier spent the night in the Texas Capitol building rather than agree to a police monitor amid a contentious partisan struggle over redistricting that is part of President Donald Trump's campaign to keep the national House of Representatives in Republican hands.