evidence: Red Texas is flush, blue California has a deficit, but it’s more about economics than politics [...] This week, we learned the two most populous states in the country are in very different fiscal places right now. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom is looking for ways to patch a $23 billion deficit. Meanwhile, in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott is thinking up ways to spend a $33 billion surplus. [...] Generally speaking though, "state budgets are doing well," said Richard Auxier with the Tax Policy Center. "But there is a bit of concern about what’s on the horizon."