California Democrats are planning to redraw the state’s congressional maps in response to GOP-led redistricting efforts in Texas. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California will put redistricting before voters during a special election this November, with the aim of adding several Democratic House seats to the blue stronghold. California, unlike Texas, has a bipartisan commission responsible for redistricting every decade. To circumvent the commission and redraw mid-cycle, Newsom must put the redistricting question directly in front of voters to seek their approval before a new map can be put in place.
The push to draw new congressional lines in the Golden State comes as Democrats across the country are looking to blunt potential gains in Texas ahead of the midterms. The Lone Star State is expected to pick up as many as five additional seats with their new lines, making it potentially easier for the GOP to hold onto its slim House majority next year despite electoral headwinds.
The exact details of the ballot question remain unclear, raising questions about how the plan will move forward, even if voters approve it. The ballot measure would aim to push the changes through before the midterm election in November 2026.
