Texas Governor Abbott Laughs in the Face of Gavin Newsom’s Redistricting Demands [WATCH]

Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded Wednesday to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s threat to counter Texas’ proposed redistricting plan, dismissing the remarks and outlining his state’s authority to proceed.

Abbott made the comments during an appearance on The Glenn Beck Podcast, addressing both Newsom’s statements and the actions of Texas Democratic legislators who left the state to prevent a quorum.

Newsom’s comments came a day earlier, warning Abbott to halt plans for a new congressional map that could give Republicans five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Newsom suggested he would attempt to add five seats for Democrats in California in response.

Abbott, speaking with Beck, reacted with laughter. “Oh, my God,” Abbott said, before adding, “Give me a break. For one, there’s so many things wrong with that. In Texas, for us to redraw congressional lines and make sure that people in Texas are going to have the ability to vote for the Republican candidate of their choice in these congressional seats, all it requires is for the governor to call a special session on it and for a majority of the Texas House and Senate to vote on it.”

Abbott continued, “[Newsom] is kind of like someone who shows up to a gunfight but forgot to bring the bullets because he doesn’t have any bullets to shoot in this fight. Whereas Texas has plenty of bullets to shoot — to make sure that we will maintain a congressional district in Texas that’s going to be more Republican, more representative of the values and votes in our state.”

He said the redistricting push was not only to protect Republican representation but also to provide a safeguard if Democrats in states like California implemented the type of political changes Newsom suggested.

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“If those rules apply, then Texas can gain more ground than California can,” Abbott said.

.@GregAbbott_TX responds to Gavin Newsom’s DEMAND that Texas stop its redistricting efforts or face his fury: “Oh my God! Give me a break.” pic.twitter.com/BIF6eyDrpI

— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) August 13, 2025

The dispute comes after Texas Democrats left the state to block a quorum and delay action on the redistricting measure.

Lawmakers traveled to states such as Illinois and New York. Abbott noted that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also criticized Texas’ plans, despite long-standing gerrymandering in his own state.

Reports indicate the Democratic legislators are now preparing to return to Texas.

According to ABC News, the group said they had achieved their goal of raising awareness about gerrymandering.

Republican lawmakers in Texas had taken steps to compel their return, including halting direct deposit of paychecks, imposing daily fines, and announcing plans to call multiple special sessions to keep the legislative process stalled until Democrats provided a quorum.

These measures, combined with the financial strain and extended time away from family, contributed to the decision to return.

The potential redistricting plan under consideration would shift Texas’ congressional delegation further toward Republican control.

Democrats have argued the proposal is politically motivated, while Republicans contend it reflects the state’s political makeup and ensures representation that aligns with Texas voters’ priorities.

The timing of the Democrats’ return is expected to allow the legislature to proceed with the redistricting process in the coming weeks.