Los Angeles, August 14, 2025

The political clash between President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom has become one of the most consequential battles over congressional redistricting in modern U.S. politics. At the center of the dispute is a phrase Trump allegedly told Texas Governor Greg Abbott: “Find me five seats.”

For Trump’s allies, it’s a pragmatic strategy to maximize representation. For Newsom, it’s a red line in the defense of democracy.

Trump’s Gambit and Newsom’s Counterstrike

Speaking at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, Newsom didn’t mince words:

“We’re doing this in reaction to a president of the United States that called a sitting governor of Texas and said, ‘Find me five seats.’ You will not have a country if he rigs this election.” (The Guardian)

From Trump’s perspective, this is strategic hardball. A senior campaign adviser told reporters:

“President Trump is committed to fair representation. Texas has been underrepresented in Congress because Democrats have manipulated districts for years. Correcting that imbalance isn’t ‘rigging’ — it’s restoring the voice of the people.”

Trump himself, addressing supporters in Florida, brushed off Newsom’s remarks:

“Newsom is jealous. He couldn’t run San Francisco. Now he’s trying to run America’s elections from his mansion.”

Newsom’s counterpunch is the Election Rigging Response Act, which would suspend California’s independent redistricting commission until 2030 only if Texas and other red states proceed with mid-decade redraws. If approved in the November 4 special election, Democrats could gain several additional U.S. House seats. (Further reading: California’s Election Rigging Response Act explained)

Playing with Fire

Three days before the rally, Newsom sent a pointed letter to the president:

“If you will not stand down, I will be forced to lead an effort to redraw the maps in California to offset the rigging of maps in red states… American democracy will be better for it.”

At the rally, he escalated:

“Don’t mess with the great Golden State — we can’t stand back and watch this democracy disappear. We need to stand up.”

Critics point to California’s independent redistricting commission, created to prevent partisan manipulation. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger warned the move “sets a dangerous precedent” and risks Democrats abandoning “the moral high ground they’ve claimed for decades.” (Further reading: Independent redistricting commissions and their impact)

Trump’s team echoed that sentiment:

“If Newsom suspends California’s independent process, it proves he’s not defending democracy — he’s defending his party’s power.”

Questions Searchers Are Asking (and Answers)

What is the Election Rigging Response Act?
It’s a proposed California law that would allow the state legislature to redraw congressional maps if red states like Texas conduct mid-decade redistricting. The measure would suspend the independent commission until 2030, but only as a conditional response.

Could this change control of the U.S. House?
Yes. If California adds Democratic-leaning seats while Texas adds Republican ones, the outcome could determine which party controls the House in 2026 and beyond. (Further reading: How blue states are countering GOP redistricting)

Is this legal?
Likely, but legal challenges are almost certain. Federal law allows states to control redistricting, but opponents could argue this undermines voter-approved independent commissions. (Further reading: Mid-decade redistricting: who benefits?)

Quick View (Reuters-Style Summary)

External sources:

Time Magazine: America’s gerrymandering problem

The Guardian: Newsom announces California redistricting plan

Politico: California poll shows support for independent maps