Gavin Newsom knows the popular image of him is of a smooth talker with slicked-back hair, the wealthy liberal who co-owns a vineyard.

Braun—who Trump relegated to the kids’ table during his star-studded inauguration—has yet to make a decision on the matter, but his counterpart in Texas, Greg Abbott, is all in on the plan, with a special redistricting session planned for this week that could net the GOP five more House seats.

A new poll showed widespread support for the state's independent redistricting commission, which could temporarily take a back seat.

The measure, which would appear on the ballot in the state in November if lawmakers approve it, is a response to Texas Republicans' mid-decade redistricting push.

The redistrict strategy could be a boon for Newsom's 2028 ambitions during a moment when Democrats are hungry for leaders. But it's also risky.

"This is a guy who lays claim to want to get a Nobel Prize, sitting there and bending his knee to Mr. Putin," Newsom told a fired-up crowd.

The plan would help Democrats flip five seats, offsetting the gains Republicans hope to make by redrawing maps in Texas.