Newsom Warns Trump’s Tactics Could End 2028 Election

Newsom told Colbert he is worried that efforts to manipulate election maps could threaten the fairness of future elections, including the 2028 presidential contest

California Gov. Gavin Newsom raised alarm Tuesday night over the integrity of future elections, telling Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, “I Fear We Will Not Have An Election in 2028.”

Newsom criticized President Donald Trump for attempting to “rig the midterm elections,” citing pressure on GOP-led states to redraw congressional districts ahead of 2026. These redistricting efforts are part of a broader strategy to help Republicans maintain control of the House of Representatives, Newsom said.

I fear that we will not have an election in 2028 — I really mean that in the core of my soul — unless we wake up to what’s happening in this country. pic.twitter.com/BjPsmw2izX

— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 24, 2025

Newsom signed legislation in August calling for a Nov. 4 special election that would allow Californians to temporarily give lawmakers authority over congressional maps for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections. The measure, called the Election Rigging Response Act, would override the state’s independent redistricting commission, and Newsom hopes it will help counter these risks.

“As the Democratic Party, we have a lot of work to do to make up for our failures in the past,” Newsom said. “We got crushed in this last election.”

This act has received criticism and opposition from many, including former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. California should never resort to gerrymandering tactics, Schwarzenegger said.

“I’m getting ready for the gerrymandering battle.” Schwarzenegger wrote on a post on X while wearing a shirt that read: “F*** the politicians, terminate gerrymandering.”

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However, many House speakers agree with Newsom.

“California will not be a bystander to Trump’s power grab,” Speaker Robert Rivas said. “We are acting to defend our state from his attacks by taking it directly to the voters. Californians believe in democracy and freedom, and we will not stand by while the House is hijacked by authoritarianism.”