Gov. Newsom pushes to redraw the map to counter Texas Republicans
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.
No Brands – News Value
The California lawmakers approved a map of democratically-led districts for voters to decide in special elections the day after Texas House Republicans passed plans for a new district.
On August 21, the California Legislature approved the Democratic government’s Gavin Newsom proposal on a vote action to suspend the state’s current Congressional district, drawn by the Independent Committee, and replaced it with a map that could give Democrats five U.S. seats.
The California district effort is in response to Texas, with Republican lawmakers pushing the map of new districts at the request of President Donald Trump. The Texas Senate was able to pass plans for the new district on August 21st. Republicans hope to give the state’s GOP five additional US seats.
But Newsom said Texas “dismissed the first shot” and California would “neutralise” what happened and “give an equitable opportunity” for American voters.
“I came here because the US president is struggling. I came here because the US president is one of the least popular presidents in US history. I came here because I know he’s going to lose the election.” “He’s trying to equip the election. He’s trying to set conditions where he can claim that the election was fair and he didn’t win the square. Let’s look at what’s going on in the United States in 2025.”
Meanwhile, California Republican Speaker Colin Rankin, called Newsom’s actions, added that her party will fight “corruption” in court and ballot boxes.
“Governor Newsom has blatantly robbed the law of power and hastily rushed by Democrats in a very kind of back-room process that Californians voted to abolish when they established the Independent Civic District Commission,” Rankin said in a statement. “Voters set up committees to ensure fairness and transparency, and Democrats shredded it to protect their strength.”
California wants to stop Trump, a Texas effort
California Senator Robert Rivas said after the vote that Trump does not believe in the country’s democratic system.
“And it’s clear he’ll do whatever it takes to get power,” Rivas said. “Donald Trump and the Republicans don’t want to be held accountable to voters. Not California, and not in reality, this country.”
The temporary districting is temporary as California’s proposed changes to districts require states to return to nonpartisan map drawing following the 2030 US census, as voter laws will be implemented before voters during the special election on November 4th.
But the rezoning map of Texas will take effect once Gov. Greg Abbott signs the bill, but the proposed California map could be rejected by voters.
“This special election will waste hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in rushing special elections when Californians are struggling with the costs of living, crime and homelessness,” said Rankin, California GOP chair. “It’s an abuse of taxpayers’ money and a direct attack on democracy in our state.”
However, Newsom believes it will help California voters level the playing field. Currently, California Democrats own 43 of the state’s 52 seats in the legislative seat. The map backed by Newsom will translate five Republican seats into districts that are heavily supportive of Democrats.
“If everything is equal and we’re all playing with the same set of rules, there’s no doubt that Republicans will become a minority in the House next year,” Newsom said. “I could not be more proud of the extraordinary leaders who are standing up for the rule of law by standing up to the principles and enduring values of the Founding Father.”
