Democrats look to change California electoral maps as Texas moves ahead with redistricting
It’s political map season — and California and Texas are drawing new lines like rival kids with competing crayons. Both states are racing to redraw congressional districts, and the results could shape who controls the U.S. House of Representatives for years to come.
California’s big push to redraw the map
California Democrats, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, have passed a trio of bills designed to scrap the state’s current congressional maps. Their goal? To add up to five new Democratic seats in Congress. But unlike Texas, where Republican-drawn maps will automatically take effect once signed, California voters get the final say.
The legislative package sets a special election for November 4, where voters will weigh in on Proposition 50, a proposed constitutional amendment to override maps drawn by California’s independent redistricting commission. Voters handed that power to the commission back in 2010 to keep politics out of map-making – but Democrats say they need to fight fire with fire.
Why California is responding to Texas
This sudden rush isn’t happening in a vacuum. Just one day earlier, Republicans in the Texas House approved new congressional maps by an 88–52 vote along party lines. The Texas plan, strongly supported by former President Donald Trump, could net Republicans an additional five seats.
California Democrats initially wanted their plan to only take effect if another state engaged in mid-decade redistricting. That condition was dropped on Thursday. “Because Texas Republicans have voted, the trigger language is no longer necessary,” said Nick Miller, spokesperson for Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. Translation: game on.
Lawsuits, costs, and political theater
Republicans in California aren’t taking this lying down. They’ve already sued to stop the plan, arguing that the legislature hasn’t given voters enough notice. The state Supreme Court rejected an emergency injunction, meaning the November vote is still on.
There’s also plenty of grumbling about the price tag. Analysts estimate the special election will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Democrats shrug off the complaint, pointing to the GOP’s failed 2021 recall effort against Gov. Newsom. “The costs are going to be just as much as the failed recall that your party placed on Governor Newsom,” said Democratic state Sen. Sabrina Cervantes. Then, in a jab at Trump, she quipped, “The cost of this election is about as much as the new ballroom President Trump is going to build at the White House. Is that fiscally responsible?”
Meanwhile in Texas: Full steam ahead
The state Senate is expected to approve its new congressional map As California preps for a voter showdown, Texas is wasting no time. within hours, sending it to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for a quick signature. Republicans are celebrating what House Speaker Dustin Burrows calls “a new chapter of Republican unity”.
Democrats in Texas—who famously fled the state for 15 days to block a quorum—are now back, promising to take the fight to the courts. “This fight is far from over,” said state Rep. Gene Wu, the House Democratic leader.
National democrats are watching closely
Even national party leaders are weighing in. Former President Barack Obama endorsed Newsom’s redistricting push, saying that while he opposes gerrymandering in principle, Democrats need to respond to aggressive Republican moves. “If we don’t respond effectively,” Obama warned, “Republican-controlled governments all across the country will not stop.”
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin echoed that sentiment, praising Newsom for “levelling the playing field against a craven, power-hungry White House.”
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