Newsom’s Prop 50 Could Be at Risk Thanks to Texas Judges

On May 11, 1846, President James K. Polk told the nation that Mexico had invaded Texas “and shed American blood.” Two days later, Congress declared war, and, just a few weeks after that, a tiny band of Americans living in Mexico’s Alta California took over the wee town of Sonoma and raised the first Bear Flag. It featured the state’s iconic grizzly (looking more bovine than ursine) loping toward a red star, a vexillographic display of solidarity with the state of Texas.

Relations between the two peoples have often been strained since then — they were sworn enemies in the Civil War — but each state remains almost obsessively interested in the political machinations of the other. Take the recent fight over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms. It began with Governor Greg Abbott’s July announcement that Texas would redraft its voting map to serve up more Republican House wins next year; Governor Gavin Newsom responded almost immediately with his own redistricting plan, Proposition 50.

About the Author

Will Swaim

Will Swaim is the CEO of the California Policy Center and, with David L. Bahnsen, a co-host of National Review’s Radio Free California podcast.

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On May 11, 1846, President James K. Polk told the nation that Mexico had invaded Texas “and shed American blood.” Two days later, Congress declared war, and, just a few weeks after that, a tiny band of Americans living in Mexico’s Alta California took over the wee town of Sonoma and raised the first Bear Flag. It featured the state’s iconic grizzly (looking more bovine than ursine) loping toward a red star, a vexillographic display of solidarity with the state of Texas.

Relations between the two peoples have often been strained since then — they were sworn enemies in the Civil War — but each state remains almost obsessively interested in the political machinations of the other. Take the recent fight over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms. It began with Governor Greg Abbott’s July announcement that Texas would redraft its voting map to serve up more Republican House wins next year; Governor Gavin Newsom responded almost immediately with his own redistricting plan, Proposition 50.