Gov. Gavin Newsom and California leaders on Friday hosted Texas Democratic lawmakers who are breaking quorum to defend democracy against the GOP’s hyper-partisan gerrymander.

The governor and state leaders have floated a potential statewide ballot measure that would reaffirm California’s commitment to national independent redistricting and allow voters to temporarily adjust the state’s congressional map only if Texas or other GOP-led states manipulate theirs.

“Donald Trump is tipping the scales of justice toward injustice for us all – he realizes his agenda is so unpopular that he’d rather rig the next election and prevent voters from holding him accountable and provide a check on his deeply unpopular policies,” said Newsom. “California stands ready to flex its muscle to ensure the integrity of our democracy nationwide.”

“We came here knowing the risks. Lawsuits, threats, and intimidation won’t stop us. We swore an oath — not to Trump, not to Abbott, and not to any party. We swore to defend the Constitution and the people we represent. We’re not backing down,” said Texas Rep. Ann Johnson.

“Now that Republicans know they are going to lose the House next year, they’re trying to change the rules to redraw Congressional district maps and rig the elections in their favor,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “Democrats must respond to Republicans’ blatant partisan power grab. We cannot and will not unilaterally disarm,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

“When Republicans in Texas, Indiana, Florida and other states are lining up to steal additional congressional seats, something has to be done. I want to thank our Texas lawmakers for standing up for democracy and the rule of law. Our congressional delegation is united and ready to take on this fight with Governor Newsom and our state legislative partners. California cannot stand idly by and watch as Republicans and Donald Trump strip food programs from California schools, cut millions of Californians from their health insurance, do permanent damage to California’s clean air and clean water, and through their tariff scheme drive small businesses into bankruptcy and force hand force hard working Californians to lose their jobs. This is a blatant power grab, and we will not stand for it,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation.

“Today, we are at a flash point set in play by Donald Trump and Texas Republicans who see the writing on the wall that they’ll lose the midterms — and they’re trying to cheat to win. President Trump’s cynical ploy to redraw congressional maps in Texas is rotten to its core. It is our sacred responsibility to defend our democracy and the people of the Golden State, so if Texas moves forward, we need to be prepared to do the same,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire.

“California Democrats will not allow Trump’s Republican Party to rig the system and take permanent control of the U.S. House of Representatives. We are prepared and we will fight fire with fire. We will do whatever it takes to defend our democracy. We will do whatever it takes to protect the voices, the votes, and the rights of every American,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. 

In July, the governor hosted other Texas state leaders to discuss the special session that is underway in the Lone Star State. 

President Trump has publicly and repeatedly pressured an uneasy state legislature to take the unprecedented step of redrawing their congressional map — mid cycle — to more favorably support Republicans. 

In fact, recent polling found 63% of likely Texas voters view its Trump-backed redistricting plan as unnecessary. 

Friday’s meeting participants included:

• Gov. Gavin Newsom.
• Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi  (CA-11).
• Congressmember Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation.
• Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast).
• Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside).
• Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara).
• Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas).
• Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters).
• Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles).
• Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim).
• Texas State Rep. Rhetta Bowers.
• Texas State Rep. Gina Hinojosa.
• Texas State Rep. Ann Johnson.
• Texas State Rep. Ray Lopez.
• Texas State Rep. Mary Ann Perez.
• Texas State Rep. Vince Perez.