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2w ago

California Moves to Redraw Maps via Special Election in Clash with Texas Republicans

Governor Gavin Newsom introduced legislation for a November referendum that would let the Democratic legislature suspend the independent commission through 2030 if other states adopt off-cycle map changes.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles.
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Overview

  • Newsom unveiled the “Election Rigging Response” campaign and filed bills to hold a Nov. 4 special election asking voters to authorize a new congressional map.
  • Under the draft legislation, the Citizens Redistricting Commission would be temporarily replaced by a Democratic supermajority legislature empowered to redraw districts through 2030.
  • Democratic leaders aim to flip roughly five Republican-held seats in California as a direct counter to Texas’s GOP effort to secure up to five additional House districts.
  • Texas Republicans, backed by President Donald Trump, will convene a second special session to push through mid-decade maps aimed at netting five GOP seats as Texas Democrats announce plans to end their walkout and return to the Capitol.
  • Both parties are preparing Voting Rights Act and constitutional challenges, and states nationwide are considering similar off-cycle redistricting maneuvers ahead of the 2026 midterms.