Aug. 22 (UPI) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a package of legislation, kicking off the Golden State’s redistricting drive, as the Democrat retaliates against Texas, which just passed new congressional maps that favor the Republicans.

Newsom signed the three bills, known together as the Election Rigging Response legislative package, Thursday shortly after they swiftly passed both the State Assembly and Senate.

The package allows California to adopt new congressional maps, which must first be voted on by the public in November.

It is the latest move in what appears to be a growing redistricting arms race ahead of next year’s midterm elections that was kicked off by Texas, which, under pressure of President Donald Trump, passed new congressional maps on Wednesday that are expected to give Republicans five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congressional maps are generally redrawn once a decade based on new Census Bureau data, with the next census scheduled for 2030. Democrats are accusing Texas Republicans of redrawing their maps to help ensure the GOP maintains its control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the congressional chamber.

Newsom, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, has been among the most vocal critics and vowed to redraw California’s maps to neutralize those seats to be gained in Texas. Other states on both sides of the political aisle have suggested they are considering doing the same.

“Don’t poke the bear,” Newsom said on X following the signing.

On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court rejected a Republican challenge to Newsom’s plan to redraw the state’s congressional maps.