California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, spoke at a rally in Houston on Saturday, criticizing both Texas’ redistricting achievements and President Trump.
“We’re dealing with an alien species named Donald Trump,” he remarked to the audience.
“Yet, he’s a historic president—one who’s historically unpopular in virtually every significant measure.”
Throughout his second term, Trump’s approval ratings have dipped.
A recent CNN/SSRS poll indicated that only 37% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance as president, while 63% disapprove.
Moreover, many polls suggest that a majority of U.S. citizens blame both Trump and the Republican Party for the ongoing government shutdown.
Newsom’s criticisms of Trump have intensified, especially after a confrontation this year when Trump declined to meet him during California’s wildfire crisis.
As the midterm elections approach, Newsom has also ramped up his critique of the Democratic Party, with hopes of regaining majority control in the House.
“We can’t rest until we get it back,” he emphasized. “There’s no race more crucial in our lifetime than regaining the House.”
Recently, California voters backed Proposition 50, a measure allowing current politicians to redraw congressional maps outside the usual census timeline. This marked a significant redistricting move aimed at benefiting Democrats, following similarly motivated actions in several Republican-led states at Trump’s behest.
According to Mr. Sabato’s crystal ball, the passage of Proposition 50 has shifted 11 congressional races toward Democrats.
Newsom’s approach to redistricting mirrors that of Texas lawmakers, who approved new maps in August that favor Republicans.
Though Texas Democrats attempted to thwart this by leaving the state, they ultimately returned to vote.
On Saturday, Newsom commended local party members, crediting them with stirring Democratic resistance to redistricting efforts nationwide.
“You woke us up,” he told the legislators. “You’ve not only supported us here, but have backed us in California as well.”
