California Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Texas Saturday to attend a rally in Houston, where he thanked state Democrats for challenging a redistricting plan that led to his state adopting its own redistricting plan known as Proposition 50.
While Texas Democrats made several efforts this summer to thwart the GOP redistricting plan, the state Senate in August approved the plan that was endorsed by Gov. Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Newsom said during the Saturday rally in Houston that the redrawn Texas maps were a way for Republicans to gain seats out of concern Democrats could retake control of the U.S. House.
Newsom also said Texas Democrats’ public decision to flee the state and attempts to slow the process caught national attention, including California’s, according to reporting by Chronicle.
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“I came out to say two words: Thank you,” Newsom said at the rally. “Thank you for inspiring the state of California.”
During the midterm elections, California voters approved Proposition 50. The proposition was drafted as a way for California to win five additional Democratic seats in the U.S. House, after Texas redrew maps in the fall to acquire five GOP seats under President Donald Trump’s request.
Chronicle reported that as Newsom spoke at the rally in Union Hall in Houston, he said Texas Democrats caused an awakening to happen, pushing the proposition to pass.
Some Texas congress members also backed Proposition 50. .U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, was among those who campaigned, and Texans accounted for about 9,000 donations totaling $1.7 million in support of the effort, according to Chronicle.
Officials estimated that 800 people attended the rally, with another 1,200 outside, according to The Houston Chronicle. Crockett also attended the rally.
During Newsom’s rally speech, Chronicle reported that the California governor also took a few swings at Abbott.
“Eat your heart out Gov. Abbott,” Newsom said as he took the stage to a loud ovation.
Abbott is expected to be in Houston on Sunday to kick off his 2026 re-election campaign.