California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Texas State Rep. Nate Schatzline traded barbs on social media this week following the release of a proposed redistricting map that could significantly bolster Republican control of the U.S. House.
After Schatzline posted, “Let’s deliver the results Texans want & let’s KEEP THE US HOUSE in 2026!” Newsom accused him of “openly admitting they are trying to rig the election,” prompting a fiery response from Schatzline.
“Here we have @GavinNewsom in FULL panic mode because Republicans are officially playing offense! … Texas is MAGA country.”
Here we have @GavinNewsom in FULL panic mode because Republicans are officially playing offense! 😎
Texas is MAGA country & we won’t stop until we ensure that @realDonaldTrump can accomplish the America 1st agenda! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/oqbLrvEhu6
— Nate Schatzline (@NateSchatzline) August 1, 2025
In a statement to Texas Scorecard, Schatzline dismissed Newsom’s accusations as political theater from a governor overseeing a state in decline:
California is a warning sign of failed leadership under Gavin Newsom. With over 187,000 homeless, skyrocketing crime in cities like Oakland, leftist anti-American ideologies being pushed on children, and crushing taxes and rent, families are fleeing the state and coming to Texas. Democrats hold 41 of 52 congressional seats in California, even though 40 percent of voters support Republicans. Instead of fixing his broken state, Newsom attacks Texas for ensuring President Trump can accomplish his America 1st agenda, and fighting to keep America from turning into California. Gavin Newsom’s meltdown is a direct response to Republicans finally going on Offense!
The online clash comes as Texas lawmakers consider House Bill 4, a mid-census redistricting proposal that would create five new Republican-leaning congressional districts—potentially increasing the GOP’s share of the state’s 38 U.S. House seats from 25 to 30.
Several Democrat incumbents are currently in the crosshairs, including Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), and Julie Johnson (TX-32). The new map also sets up a potential primary between longtime Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) and Greg Casar (TX-35), after their districts were reconfigured.
Democrats have threatened to potentially flee the state to block the vote.
The proposal follows the Fifth Circuit’s 2024 decision in Petteway v. Galveston County, which held that “coalition” districts—those based on combined minority voting groups—are not protected under the Voting Rights Act, clearing the way for Republicans to dismantle several Democrat-held seats drawn on such a basis.
State Rep. Cody Vasut, who chairs the House Congressional Redistricting Committee, has indicated the committee will likely take action on the proposed maps before next week.
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