Speaking to reporters after his campaign launch, Newsom batted away criticism, saying Trump had struck first by saying he was "entitled" to a GOP congressional majority. The governor had earlier this week asked Trump to block Texas and other red state from moving forward with their own redistricting efforts.

As Texas hurtles toward a flashpoint on a GOP effort to redraw congressional districts, California Democrats are answering with a plan of their own.

Gavin Newsom formally kicked off his push Thursday to redraw California’s congressional maps in response to a Republican-led effort in Texas, setting up the next stage of his fight against both the Trump administration and a coalition of gerrymandering opponents within the state.