As California Democrats gear up to redraw the state’s congressional maps in response to a Republican-led initiative in Texas, a diverse coalition is emerging to challenge their efforts. This coalition includes notable figures such as former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has long championed nonpartisan redistricting, Charles Munger Jr., the son of the late billionaire vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, various state and federal California Republicans, and the League of Women Voters. These groups have united against the initiative pushed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who contends that Texas’ strategy, which could create up to five additional GOP-friendly seats, necessitates a proportional response from California.
Unlike Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott is preparing to call a special session for Republicans to implement their maps as soon as enough Democrats return, Newsom and legislative leaders in California must seek public approval for any new congressional maps through a statewide referendum scheduled for November. The California legislature is set to reconvene on Monday to consider a measure that requires passage by two-thirds of both chambers to qualify for the ballot. Newsom has organized a press conference on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. PDT (2:30 p.m. EDT) to discuss redistricting and has expressed confidence that voters will support his position. “We’re going to fight fire with fire,” he stated in a recent podcast episode. “We’re going to neutralize whatever Abbott does next week or whenever they move forward with their next special session.”
However, the likelihood of success is uncertain, especially considering that off-year referendums typically see lower voter turnout compared to midterm or presidential elections. Opponents assert that their coalition is broad and includes many Democratic voters. In fact, more than 60% of California voters previously approved Proposition 20, a 2010 initiative that removed congressional map control from the state legislature. Munger, who invested $12.4 million to pass Proposition 20, has vowed to “vigorously defend the reforms he helped pass,” as stated by his spokesperson, Amy Thoma Tan. “His previous success in passing ballot measures in California means he knows exactly what is needed to be successful,” she added. “We will have the resources necessary to make our coalition heard.”
Interestingly, the opposition has already experienced a shift in alliances, as Common Cause, a prominent good government organization that has historically supported redistricting reform, announced it would no longer “automatically condemn” mid-cycle redistricting efforts that meet specific criteria. This change could imply that the organization might refrain from opposing California’s countermeasure. In a call with reporters, Common Cause officials referred to this announcement as a “shift in our strategic posture,” clarifying that it does not signify a departure from their long-term opposition to gerrymandering.
The organization indicated that it is premature to determine whether California will satisfy its six “fairness criteria,” which stipulate that mid-cycle redistricting should be targeted responses to gerrymandering in other states, have a defined end date, and involve public participation. “Governor Newsom will be held to the same standards and criteria as any other state that attempts to engage,” said Common Cause President Virginia Kase Solomón, noting that evaluating California’s plan before its release would be challenging. This shift follows an earlier statement from the state chapter, which criticized Newsom’s approach and advised against engaging in a conflict that they believed his party could not win.
In contrast, the League of Women Voters remains steadfast in its opposition to the governor’s proposal. The California chapter communicated its strong disapproval of the mid-cycle redistricting plan to Newsom and key Democratic leaders in the legislature. They argued that even temporary changes to the current maps could have detrimental long-term effects. “We understand the urgency. Authoritarianism is not abstract; it is here, and it is dangerous,” wrote Dora Rose, the deputy director of the League of Women Voters of California. “However, the way to fight is not to abandon one of California’s greatest democratic reforms.”
Democrats frame their redistricting plan as a potential safeguard against Texas, where Republicans are proposing new maps that could eliminate up to five Democratic seats prior to the 2026 midterm elections. This narrative may resonate well in an off-year election in a predominantly Democratic state. “The choice will be between Gavin Newsom and Donald Trump,” remarked Republican redistricting expert Matt Rexroad. “The odds of Republicans being able to win statewide is small.” However, a costly opposition campaign from Republicans is anticipated, bolstered by a mix of national and in-state funding. Schwarzenegger, a prominent figure in the coalition, has previously supported ballot initiatives that transferred control of congressional and legislative maps to an independent commission. Since his departure from office in 2011, he has actively advocated for independent redistricting reforms across various states, including Michigan, Colorado, and Ohio.
“Once he learned about gerrymandering during his tenure as governor, he recognized it as a significant issue and committed to combating it in California,” said spokesperson Daniel Ketchell. “His fight extends nationwide, as he aims to address gerrymandering whenever possible.”
Additionally, Steve Hilton, a Republican candidate in California’s 2026 gubernatorial race, has indicated he will challenge the proposed measure in court if Democrats manage to place it on the ballot. Hilton argues that the legislature lacks accurate population data due to demographic shifts across the state following the pandemic. “This whole initiative is merely a distraction from the real issues we should be addressing,” Hilton stated. “Moreover, it is unfair to the approximately 40% of Republican voters in California, and thus it must be halted.”
California’s Republican congressional delegation is also expected to play a significant role in opposing the redistricting efforts. Representative Kevin Kiley, whose district encompasses a large area of central California along the Nevada border, introduced legislation last week aimed at prohibiting mid-cycle redistricting, including the current initiative in Texas. Kiley, one of five targeted Republicans according to CNN, has communicated with House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding his legislation and has publicly called for a vote once Congress reconvenes. “I’ve expressed my desire for a vote as soon as we return, and I’m willing to utilize every available tool to make that happen,” Kiley asserted.
While it is unlikely that Kiley’s proposal will gain traction, especially given former President Trump’s insistence that Republican states should revise their maps, Kiley believes that the voters who established the independent redistricting commission initially will be his strongest allies. “It’s crucial for voters to receive accurate information,” Kiley concluded. “If that occurs, I am confident they will reaffirm their earlier decision that politics should not influence the redistricting process.”
