Gavin Newsom, who rallied for Democrats in deep-red Texas on Saturday, urged the party’s base to set its sights on returning Democrats to power in 2026 and 2028, as he returns to square one in the national gerrymandering wars.
The California governor and potential 2028 presidential contender spent little time at the hour-long event in Houston relishing his latest redistricting victory, instead criticizing President Donald Trump and his administration for “rewriting history” while calling on Democrats to stay involved in crucial races that still loom.
“Not only did you have our backs here, you had our backs in the state of California,” Newsom told the crowd. “We were looking for a fight, not just to win, but a fight worth fighting for. That’s why I’m here.”
Much of the event centered around Newsom’s 2028 presidential run, with the governor pausing at one point in his speech as rallygoers chanted “2028.” The governor only laughed at the calls.
But other Texas Democratic leaders who took the microphone before Newsom used their speeches to praise the California governor’s redistricting victory and point to a potential 2028 run.
The Republican representative said: “I am here today because he is the future president of the United States of America.” Al Green (D-Texas).
Newsom focused on urging voters to keep party energy away from their key victories on Tuesday and focus on regaining Democratic control through a series of congressional races in 2026.
“We can’t rest until we get it back,” Newsom said. “There is no race more important in our lifetime than the House and taking back the House.”
Democrats have lost the redistricting war in Texas, after Gov. Greg Abbott and state legislative Republicans redrew House seats in favor of their party. At the request of President Donald Trump. But Newsom’s travel there allowed him to remain in campaign mode after passing California’s gerrymandering this week — highlighting redistricting efforts nationally and drawing attention in a state that, despite being solidly Republican, It carries a large group of delegates In the Democratic presidential primaries.
“He’s making the case that he’s looking out for the good of the broader Democratic Party, the national party, by passing redistricting reform in California and standing up to the shenanigans in Texas,” Democratic strategist Steve Bennett, who worked on Bill Clinton’s presidential campaigns, said before the event. “He’s clearly gearing up to be a national candidate, and this is a good way to do it.”
“The future is something that has to be shown,” Newsom told the crowd during Saturday’s rally. “It is decisions, not circumstances, that will determine our future destiny. The fact that you chose to be here is a testament to that.”
The California governor’s appearance came as part of Democrats’ redistricting efforts It accelerated across the country. Virginia Democrats are pressing on To redraw the lines of the House of Representatives in favor of their party and the Democrats In New York and Colorado has I asked to do this. Newsom earlier this week called on all those states to take action, along with two potential 2028 contenders, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
Newsom has often turned to Texas as a foil, He once criticized Abbott in local newspaper ads Most recently, he was accused of helping deploy Trump’s National Guard in blue states.
Abbott is also scheduled to appear in Houston on Sunday to make what his campaign team described as a “special announcement.” Houston Public Media suggested it would be the launch of his campaign for a fourth term as governor.
Dave Carney, Abbott’s longtime chief strategist and former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, welcomed Newsom to Harris County as a tourist, downplaying his accomplishments and saying, “I hope he brings a big entourage and they spend a lot of money.”
“We don’t care what California does,” Carney said in an interview. “I think it won’t see anything happen, and no one cares.” “Saturdays are for college football.”
But other Republicans saw opportunity in the California leader’s visit, a symbol of liberalism deep in the national imagination.
“Honestly, the more times he shows up, the better,” said Joel Lua, a Texas GOP strategist. “Texas Democrats are so frustrated that they need a greasy-haired car salesman in California to give them a pep talk, and we will use the opportunity to raise money and motivate Texas Republicans even more than they already are.”
Although the event may have produced footage of Newsom siding with Texas Democrats, his connection to the state’s minority party was well established. In August, it is Hosted state legislative Democrats from Texas who were violating a quorum in a failed attempt to stop Republican-leaning gerrymandering in the state.
Even if Texas Republicans fundraise for appearances, their Democratic opponents can, too.
Most voters probably won’t notice [the event]. “We still have a year before the election,” Bennett said, but added: “If it excites the base, if it helps with fundraising, it will probably work to their advantage.”