Newsom signs California redistricting measures in response to Texas bill

• Newsom, at the bills' signing, declared a special election for Nov. 4 for Californians to vote on newly drawn congressional districts.

What they're saying: "This is not something six weeks ago that I ever imagined that I'd be doing," Newsom said ahead of signing the bills.

• "We're responding to what occurred in Texas," he added.
• "We're neutralizing what occurred, and we're giving the American people a fair chance, because when all things are equal, we're all playing by the same rules."

The other side: James Gallagher, the Republican leader in the California Assembly, said during debate on the bills that redistricting moves were "about power on both sides, rigging congressional districts to get partisan results," adding: "That's what a gerrymander is."

• Gallagher said he agrees with a lot of Trump's agenda, but he believes that his redistricting calls are wrong and he took issue with Newsom's "fight fire with fire" comments on the matter.

• "You move forward fighting fire with fire, and what happens? You burn it all down," he said. "In this case, it affects our most fundamental American principle: representation."

More from Axios:

• Newsom pollster sees big support for California redistricting
• Trump's redistricting war heats up as Texas, California feuds escalate
• Newsom mocks Trump's social media in a flurry of redistricting posts

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from California Assembly member James Gallagher and details of further remarks by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.