Gavin Newsom launches major ad campaign to boost redistricting push

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is launching an aggressive ad campaign to boost his quest to revamp the state's congressional maps in response to Republican maneuvering in Texas.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is launching an aggressive ad campaign Tuesday to boost his quest to revamp the state's congressional maps in response to Republican maneuvering in Texas.

The initiative — which will involve 10 ads across television and digital by the week's end — is the first major push by Newsom’s ballot measure committee aimed at blanketing Democrats with information on the remap question, called Prop 50, and driving out turnout for the Nov. 4 special election. In all, the undertaking — including ground organization and ads — could cost some $100 million.

Newsom is leading the political group behind the ballot initiative, which has already drawn millions of dollars in fundraising, the campaign said.

One ad, "Blitzkrieg," directly attacks President Donald Trump, saying he is operating out of a dictator’s playbook, attempting to suppress the free press, attacking major educational institutions and carrying out warrantless arrests. The other ad, "Emergency," lays out a detailed case for why Democrats are embarking on the effort now.

The ads premiere Tuesday across Newsom’s social media accounts, which have drawn a surge in interest in recent weeks. Other ads to drop this week will feature Newsom himself, as well as Democratic California Sen. Alex Padilla.