California Governor Gavin Newsom is taking direct aim at top Republicans—most notably Texas Senator Ted Cruz—in a heated war of words over runaway Texas Democrats who abandoned their state to block a crucial redistricting vote.
Democrats Flee to Stop GOP Map
The controversy erupted when more than 51 Texas Democrats fled to Chicago instead of showing up to work. Their goal: stop Republicans from passing a new congressional map that experts say could deliver the GOP as many as five extra seats in next year’s midterm elections.
Under Texas law, two-thirds of the legislature must be present for a vote. By skipping town, Democrats effectively shut down the process—infuriating Texans who see this as taxpayer-funded obstruction. Some Democrats even jetted to California and other deep-blue states for applause from liberal allies, who predictably cried “gerrymandering” and “voter suppression.”
Newsom Mocks Texas Officials
Instead of condemning the political stunt, Newsom cheered it on. Posting to X (formerly Twitter), he mocked Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who had filed a legal complaint in California to enforce arrest warrants for the absent lawmakers.
“You should definitely use ALL resources looking for them here, Ken,” Newsom taunted. “You will TOTALLY find them here.”
Ted Cruz Hits Back
Senator Ted Cruz wasted no time responding: “I assume they’re having dinner with you at the French Laundry,” a jab at Newsom’s notorious 2020 maskless dinner at the luxury restaurant while Californians faced strict lockdowns.
Newsom fired back, posting a viral photo of Cruz rolling a suitcase during his 2021 trip to Cancun amid Texas’ historic freeze. “To be fair, he knows a lot about fleeing,” the governor sneered.
Governor Abbott Stands Firm
Texas Governor Greg Abbott vowed to press forward, declaring that his administration will deliver on priorities vital to the people of Texas, even if it means calling back-to-back special sessions until the work is complete.
Texas Democrats, led by State Rep. Gene Wu, claimed they acted with “absolute moral clarity,” portraying their walkout as a stand against a “rigged system.”
National Implications
The Texas showdown is part of a bigger national battle. The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing a Louisiana redistricting case and earlier this year overturned a ruling that struck down South Carolina’s congressional map. These fights could reshape the political map for years to come.
For conservatives, the takeaway is clear: Democrats will stop at nothing—even abandoning their duties—to protect their political power, while Republican leaders fight to secure fair maps and uphold the will of the people.