‘We’re Gonna Punch These Sons a Bitches in the Mouth’: Newsom Issues Fiery Response to Texas Redistricting

California Governor Gavin Newsom unloaded on Republican lawmakers in Texas, who on Wednesday passed legislation creating five congressional districts more favorable to GOP candidates.

Democratic lawmakers in the state fled Texas briefly to prevent Republicans from reaching the necessary quorum to conduct legislative business, but they ultimately returned.

Newsom, who will almost certainly run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, has been vehemently against the move and warned that if Texas followed through with its rare mid-decade redistricting, he would lead as similar effort in California on behalf of Democrats.

Last week, Newsom issued what he called a “FINAL WARNING” to President Donald Trump to withdraw his support for the plan.

“This is radical rigging of a midterm election,” Newsom said on The Siren on Wednesday. “Radical rigging of an election. Destroying, vandalizing this democracy, the rule of law. So, I’m sorry. I know some peoples’ sensibilities. I respect and appreciate that. But right now, with all due respect, we’re walking down a damn different path. We’re fighting fire with fire. And we’re gonna punch these sons of bitches in the mouth.”

California relies on an independent state commission to draw its congressional districts. However, Newsom is seeking to bypass the commission, which would require voters’ approval. The California legislature, whose chambers are dominated by Democrats, are aiming to vote this week on whether to put the measure on the ballot.

California, which the most populous state, is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by 43 Democrats and nine Republicans.

Newsom has been the most visible and vocal potential Democratic candidate in recent months. Lately, he and his staffers have mimicked Trump’s social media screeds, complete with all-caps rants and sign-offs telling readers, “THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.”