California Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced a high-stakes plan to redraw his state’s voting districts to counter similar efforts by Republicans in Texas. Newsom has announced that California will hold a special election in November. The election will require voters to approve the mid-term constituency change plan ahead of the 2026 national midterm. Newsom characterized the move as an emergency measure in response to a plan backed by Texas Donald Trump, allowing Republicans to win five more seats in the House. Newsom, who announced the plan at the National Museum of Japanese-American National Democracy, vowed that the move would “cauterize and neutralize” the Texas plan. “We are working through a very transparent, temporary, public process. We put maps on the votes and empower people. We have to recognize the cards that have been addressed and ignite the fire,” Newsmom said. If successful, Newsom’s plan will allow California to retain its current Congress map if Texas or other states withdraw from the change. The move comes amid the efforts of Republican-led districts in Florida and Ohio, as well as debates to do the same in Indiana and Missouri. Texas Republicans have so far been prevented from approving new maps as House Democrats fled the state and prevented the Chamber of Commerce from reaching a quorum and voting ahead. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vows to hold a continuous special legislative session until the proposal passes, threatening to arrest the Texas Democrats for fleeing.
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