Overview

• Gov. Gavin Newsom formally unveiled the Election Rigging Response Act Thursday in Los Angeles, framing the special election as retaliation for President Trump’s backing of Texas Republicans’ redistricting scheme.
• California lawmakers will present draft congressional maps Friday and aim to vote next week to refer the Nov. 4 ballot measure that would enact temporary districts through 2030.
• Common Cause signaled a conditional stance by issuing a six-point fairness rubric for evaluating mid-decade remaps without fully condemning countermeasures.
• Opponents including former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and funders of the independent commission have pledged lawsuits to block the plan and defend the existing redistricting process.
• Texas Republicans’ bid to add up to five GOP seats remains on hold after Democrats denied quorum by leaving the state, intensifying the risk of reciprocal redistricting battles nationwide.