September 8, 2025
As the heat of summer descends on Sacramento, California’s lawmakers are embroiled in a contentious debate that could reshape the state’s political landscape for years to come.
The battle centers on a set of new congressional maps, drawn not by the state’s independent redistricting commission, but by allies of Governor Gavin Newsom, a move sparking fierce criticism and igniting concerns about political maneuvering and chest beating to counter President Donald Trump. But behind this new demonstration of bravado from the silver hair (and tongued) Governor is a nefarious force that enjoys playing puppet master. Let’s peel back the layers here.
Newsom’s MAGA Makeover
Newsom has embraced a bold, unconventional strategy for engaging voters and critics alike: social media trolling, specifically targeting Trump—IN ALL CAPS.
Far from being a mere source of entertainment, Newsom’s parody-laden posts, by imitating President Trump’s unique social media engagement and strategy, have become a centerpiece of his political brand, which never really existed until now. Fighting Trump by becoming Trump has those on MSNBC (soon to be MSNOW) giddy.
Newsom’s Trump parody from messaging and merchandise is indeed making an impact. According to the Los Angeles Times, Newsom’s primary X account has gained over 500,000 new followers in recent weeks. The account amassed more than 480 million impressions, an increase of 450% as broken down by CNN’s Harry Enten. Newsom’s outreach extended to traditional media and digital creators, resulting in over 30 million views across various platforms.
This attention and newfound political recognition come late in his political career, but with that comes a sense of boldness to “defend Democracy.” That is, by scrubbing California of Red districts. Newsom wants to fight Trump by rigging the map. But he is not doing this alone. Who has enough sway to control “GCN”?
The Redistricting Showdown
Every decade, California redraws its congressional districts to reflect shifting demographics and preserve fair representation. Traditionally, this process falls to the independent redistricting commission, a body designed to insulate mapmaking from partisan influence. But Newsom’s inner circle has put forth maps that would temporarily supplant those crafted by the commission, and shrink the number of Republican districts, meaning Democratic gains in a barely Republican-led House. They argue that most of the voters in the big, blue state want this, according to polling featured in Newsweek.
For supporters, the new maps promise to restore representation for communities they claim have been neglected. Critics, meanwhile, decry the effort as a power grab, arguing that it undermines the very independence the commission was designed to protect. The most prominent among them is former California Governor and actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The stakes are high. If the legislature approves the maps, voters will ultimately have the final say in a November special election set for November 4th. California Republicans see an opportunity to expose Democratic overreach for this power grab, one that not only is backed by Newsom and his handlers, but specifically by Planned Parenthood. In the San Francisco Chronicle, Planned Parenthood CEO Jodi Hicks stated, “You take away our freedoms, we’ll take away your seats […].” Looks like alpha bro convert Newsom isn’t in charge after all. But who else holds his strings besides Hicks? Enter her husband…
Planned Parenthood’s Political Pair
Paul Mitchell is the top data man for Democrats, tasked with redrawing the maps that will favor them even more heavily than they already do. According to his profile in is a longtime veteran of California and Democratic Politics, and formerly of Political Data, Inc. which houses the lion’s share of California’s voting data.
He and his wife, Hicks, were bestowed the ranking of #5 political power couple in Capitol Weekly’s 2024. Together, Paul Mitchell and Hicks stand as a formidable force in California’s political arena, wielding considerable influence over the state’s partisan strategies. Yet, despite their prominence, the California media establishment has been conspicuously hesitant to spotlight their partnership and its implications. Gee, I wonder why.
California’s redistricting debate does not exist in a vacuum. California prides itself on being the ultimate blue beacon, often setting the tone for progressive policies on issues like climate change, labor, healthcare, and sadly, the death of preborn children via abortion.
The Road Ahead
With the November special election looming, one thing is clear: the eyes of the nation are on California, and the outcome will echo far beyond its borders.
The 2026 Governor’s race is also in the national spotlight, especially with former Vice President Kamala Harris bowing out of a run, after being expected to be the front runner. The Democrats, even with the outgoing Newsom’s swagger, are worried about a solid front runner to keep a lock on the Golden State. Politico seems to have an answer to their problems.
Senator Alex Padilla, deeply embedded in Sacramento’s political culture and well-connected through longstanding relationships, lacks the celebrity and widespread recognition of figures like Kamala Harris or Gavin Newsom. Uniquely positioned to run for governor without risking his Senate seat, Padilla enters California’s highly competitive 2026 governor’s race at a time when Democrats are searching for alternatives to Katie Porter, whose progressive reputation makes her polarizing among some party members.
As conservative states fight for Life, California has become a bulwark for seemingly unlimited abortion access, bulldozing the concerns of conservative voters in their state. With Planned Parenthood essentially drawing the map and busy eliminating Republican districts and the preborn, it is up to the voters to stop this power grab and this anti-democratic madness.
After all, this is the same state that lets dogs vote.