Beto O’Rourke addressing Amarillo residents at rally
Trump at Commander in Chief’s Trophy ceremony in 2019
Gavin Newsom in spin room at debate
Beto O’Rourke and Gabby Giffords at convention
Beto O’Rourke giving speech at Texas convention
Avery Ann Guggenheim high-fiving Beto O’Rourke
Gavin Newsom speaking to media in spin room

Beto O’Rourke addressing Amarillo residents at rally

President Donald Trump has backed a Texas plan to redraw congressional districts, potentially adding up to five Republican-leaning areas. In response, California Gov. Newsom criticized the effort, noting his plans to repeal a law which impacts redistricting authority and counteract any partisan gains made in Texas. If successful, Newsom plans to return control to the state legislature.

Trump at Commander in Chief’s Trophy ceremony in 2019

Former Democratic Presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke has called on Democrats to take a strong stand against gerrymandering. He stated, "We have to be absolutely ruthless about getting back in power."

Gavin Newsom in spin room at debate

O’Rourke said, "We have got to fight back. We cannot roll over. We cannot play dead." He added, "I think it’s time that we match fire with fire."

Beto O’Rourke and Gabby Giffords at convention

O’Rourke warned that GOP redistricting missteps have diluted their voter base in key districts and urged Democrats to act strategically and use all available tools despite political difficulties.

Beto O’Rourke giving speech at Texas convention

O'Rourke said, "I think Democrats in the past too often have been more concerned with being right than being in power, and we’ve seen Republicans only care about being in power, regardless of what is right."

Avery Ann Guggenheim high-fiving Beto O’Rourke

The Texas proposal has the potential to alter congressional power dynamics. Meanwhile, Newsom’s plan would allow the legislature to redraw maps for Democratic advantage.

Gavin Newsom speaking to media in spin room

Newsom stated, "We can act holier than thou, we can sit on the sidelines, talk about the way the world should be. Or, we can recognize the existential nature that is this moment." He added that "two can play that game."

Jessica Thompson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.