State Rep. Rafael Anchia, D‑Dallas, told California Gov. Gavin Newsom onstage that a delegation of Texas Democratic leaders had flown to Sacramento to describe what they called an effort by the Trump administration and Texas officials to redraw congressional maps that would dismantle historic Black and Latino districts.

"We represent constituents that are being hurt by Trump's big ugly bill," Anchia said, describing the visit as a chance to "share ideas and experiences" and brief California officials on the state of play in Texas.

Why it matters: The lawmakers said the proposal would affect long-established districts and voting power for communities of color that, they noted, accounted for 96% of recent population growth in Texas. The visit included discussion of litigation now underway and of possible political responses in California; attendees did not announce any coordinated, enforceable action between the two states.

In remarks to the delegation, California Gov. Gavin Newsom described the situation as urgent and said state leaders are weighing options. "It is a 5 alarm fire for democracy in The United States Of America," Newsom said, adding that California officials are examining multiple pathways that could include asking California voters to reconsider prior positions on redistricting.

Newsom said the legislature was "kicking the tires" on alternatives but cautioned the process was fluid. "There are no maps that have been drawn," he said, and staff and lawmakers were discussing several possible legislative and ballot approaches for how and when to act.

Speakers and participants described the Texas response as multi-pronged: legal challenges in federal court, legislative options, public polling and potential ballot measures. Anchia said Texas Democrats have previously sued successfully over maps and are in federal court in El Paso, where he said a three-judge panel recently completed a trial.

The meeting did not produce any formal votes or directives. Attendees framed the session as an exchange of information and strategy among lawmakers and governors, not as a binding interstate agreement. Newsom repeatedly emphasized that California would decide its own course: "We're gonna let Californians figure out California," he said.

The discussion highlighted tensions over federal and state election law, and attendees repeatedly linked the redistricting debate to broader national political stakes. Neither the Texas delegation nor Newsom released draft maps or formal proposals at the event, and no timetable for any California ballot action was provided.

Looking ahead: Delegation members said they would continue legal and legislative efforts in Texas. California officials said they are studying options and polling but made no formal commitment to a particular pathway or ballot measure.