California Democrats are considering new political maps that could slash five Republican-held House seats in the liberal-leaning state while bolstering Democratic incumbents in other battleground districts. The move comes in response to Texas Republicans’ efforts to redraw House districts to strengthen the GOP hold on the chamber in 2026. A draft plan circulating aims to boost the Democratic margin to 48 of California’s 52 congressional seats, up from the 43 seats the party now holds. It would need approval from lawmakers and voters, who may be skeptical to give it after handing redistricting power to an independent commission years ago. The proposal would generously pad Democratic margins in districts for competitive seats anchored in Orange County, San Diego County, and the Central Valley farm belt, giving Democrats a potential advantage as Texas Republicans try to sway the tissue-thin balance of the House. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he wants to advance partisan redistricting and will not move ahead if Texas pauses its efforts. He has called a special election for the first week of November, where voters would weigh a new congressional map drawn by the Democratic-controlled Legislature.
California may consider reducing five GOP US House seats to counter Texas’ efforts to increase Republican margin. Sac 850
