Beto O’Rourke Calls for Ruthlessness in Pursuing Power

Beto O’Rourke, who previously campaigned for the Texas Senate and ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, urged fellow Democrats to be “ruthless” in their quest for power, advocating for partisan gerrymandering.

“We really need to take power seriously—no matter where we find ourselves, be it California, Illinois, or New York, we have to use every tool at our disposal,” O’Rourke shared during an interview on CNN’s “Union State” with Jake Tupper.

The discussion centered around a Texas proposal to redraw Congressional boundaries, anticipating the 2026 midterms. The goal is to minimize the number of districts represented by Democrats, potentially creating up to five additional GOP-friendly districts for Texas, benefiting Donald Trump, should the changes happen.

In response to O’Rourke’s remarks, California Governor Gavin Newsom suggested a change every decade that would restore the legislature’s authority to redraw Congressional maps, effectively loosening the grip of the 2010 state law that put this power in the hands of an Independent Commission. “It would allow us to set up districts that reflect our political motivations, which is a tricky move to undo,” Newsom remarked.

When asked whether he’d back Newsom’s initiative, O’Rourke commented, “I think he sparked something important here. Past Democrats seemed to focus more on principles, while Republicans often seem solely interested in gaining power, whatever it takes.”

O’Rourke’s comments echoed the sentiments expressed by Newsom at a recent press conference, where the idea of eliminating the Independent Commission was also discussed.

“We face a defining moment, and we can either sit back and ponder the state of the world or grasp the gravity of the situation we’re in,” Newsom added, acknowledging the challenges involved with changing California’s constitution and the existing authority of the Independent Commission.

In a bid to alter the current system, Newsom proposed two strategies, including legislation that would permit Congress to redraw maps while Congress is in session.

Meanwhile, Texas Democrats cautioned that the GOP’s gerrymandering efforts could backfire, warning that they might inadvertently lead to the dispersion of Republican voters and weaken previously strong red districts.