Gavin Newsom’s five-seat California redistricting bet faces a reality check

Published September 11, 2026 6:00am ET




CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) went all-in on California’s Proposition 50 as the Democratic counterpunch to Texas Republicans’ mid-decade redistricting effort. Now, Newsom, who is expected to launch a 2028 presidential bid, is acknowledging that Democrats may not get everything they wanted from the new map.

In an exclusive interview with the Washington Examiner, Newsom said Democrats still intend to win all five Republican-held congressional districts targeted by California’s new map, but conceded he is “confident, but not overconfident” that they will do so.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Telegram
Tumblr