SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a significant move, California's Democratic-controlled state legislature has unveiled a proposal for a new congressional map that could potentially secure up to five additional seats for their party. This initiative marks a critical advancement in Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting plans and intensifies the ongoing competition between the major political parties as they prepare for the upcoming midterm elections.
Governor Newsom has announced plans to call for a special election on November 4, allowing California voters to determine whether to adopt the newly drawn districts. This election would circumvent the state's independent redistricting commission, which typically oversees such processes. Newsom emphasizes that California's adjustment to its congressional map is a necessary response to recent redistricting efforts by Texas Republicans, who have altered their districts in a bid to gain up to five additional GOP seats.
During a recent press conference, Newsom stated, "We have the opportunity to de facto end the Trump presidency in less than 18 months. That's what's at stake," highlighting the potential influence a Democratic-controlled U.S. House could wield over the White House. The California legislature is expected to vote on the proposed map on Thursday, August 21. Following the unveiling of this proposal, Texas Democrats, who previously left the state to deny Republicans the quorum needed for legislative action, may begin returning home, as they lack the necessary votes to prevent the adoption of the newly drawn map.
The Democrats' proposal specifically aims at five Republican representatives: Kevin Kiley, Doug LaMalfa, David Valadao, Darrell Issa, and Ken Calvert, all of whom are now facing districts that lean more Democratic. Currently, Democrats hold 43 out of California's 52 congressional seats. In response to the redistricting proposal, Kiley has introduced legislation to ban mid-decade redistricting and criticized Newsom for bypassing the state's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. "This is a moment for every Californian and every American of decency, regardless of party affiliation, to speak out against the abject corruption that our governor is attempting," Kiley stated.
Democratic Representative Marc Veasey, whose district is affected by the new map in Texas, has also introduced similar legislation. Newsom has argued that California Democrats must adopt a proactive approach, stating, "I'm appreciative that this member of Congress is waking up to the reality of what has occurred in Texas." He added that the California proposal includes a trigger clause, activating the new map only if Texas or another red state proceeds with its own redistricting plans.
If approved, the new congressional districts in California would be applicable for elections in 2026, 2028, and 2030, with the Citizens Redistricting Commission regaining authority after the 2030 census. This commission was established following voter approval in 2008 for state legislative districts, with congressional oversight added in 2010. Jeanne Raya, a former Democratic commission member, expressed concerns regarding the transparency of Newsom's redistricting plans, stating, "Somebody's going to be drawing maps, whether behind a real door, a virtual door. There will not be that transparency that is written into the independent commission's work, and voters will suffer for that."
Several good government advocacy groups have voiced their opposition to Newsom's proposal, arguing that it politicizes the redistricting process and disenfranchises the public by sidelining the independent commission. In defense of his plan, Newsom asserted that the proposal remains transparent, as voters will ultimately have the final say. "The Texas plan will not be sent to voters. We are talking about emergency measures to respond to what's happening in Texas, and we will nullify what happens in Texas," Newsom concluded, emphasizing that California's approach differs fundamentally from that of Texas Republicans.
