Houston, TX – California Governor Gavin Newsom visited Houston over the weekend, addressing a large crowd at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 716 union hall as part of his recent national outreach effort following California’s Proposition 50 redistricting approval.
The event drew hundreds of attendees, with many unable to enter the packed venue. Newsom took a few minutes to greet and speak to supporters gathered outside before joining the main rally indoors.
He was welcomed to the stage by Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and Congressman Al Green, who praised his leadership and collaborative approach.
In his remarks, Governor Newsom spoke about national political momentum and Democratic priorities leading into the 2026 midterm elections.
“Donald Trump poked the bear — the California Grizzly Bear,” he said, adding that “California woke up, Texas woke up, and America was woken last week. We are a party on its ascendancy, on its toes and no longer on its back.”
The visit followed California voters’ recent approval of Proposition 50, which enables the state to redraw congressional districts to add up to five additional seats. Newsom described the measure as part of a broader effort to strengthen Democratic representation in Congress.
He also urged voters across the country to stay engaged ahead of the next election cycle.
“There is no more important race in our lifetimes than the U.S. House of Representatives,” he said. “Taking back the House is the whole thing.”
While the trip underscored his continued influence within the Democratic Party, Newsom’s Houston stop also highlighted increased coordination among party leaders across state lines.
Local Democratic officials emphasized that such visits bring national attention to Texas’ diverse electorate and evolving political landscape.
The event ended with supporters expressing enthusiasm for renewed party unity, while others viewed the visit as a sign of potential national ambitions for Governor Newsom.
