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.

California Gov. Newsom moves forward with putting proposed congressional maps on the ballot in Nov. 4 special election in attempt to counter GOP redistricting in Texas.

Newsom’s eagerness is understandable. At a time when Democrats in California and nationally want more combativeness from their politicians, Newsom is engaging in a personal clash with the 47th president with very high stakes that he claims he can win.