“It gave him and Democrats throughout the state a chance to rally,” said Democratic strategist Paul Maslin, who worked on Democratic Gov. Gray Davis’ failed bid to fend off a recall in 2003. (The Republican governor who took over after Davis was ousted, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is ready to fight Newsom’s plan ).

The brawl over redistricting is handing Gov. Gavin Newsom his biggest platform yet ahead of a likely presidential run in 2028

Texas Democrats flee to Illinois to block redistricting vote while California's Newsom vows to counter Republican gerrymandering efforts with similar measures.