Overview

• Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Democratic leaders formally launched a mid-decade remapping campaign aimed at netting Democrats up to five additional U.S. House seats in response to Texas Republicans’ effort.
• Draft maps are expected imminently, with Democratic supermajorities planning to fast-track legislation next week to place the proposal on the November 4 special election ballot.
• California elections officials warn that failing to declare a special vote by August 22 would make it nearly impossible to conduct a legally defensible statewide election under federal standards.
• Common Cause issued a six-point fairness criteria—including proportionality, public participation and racial equity—to conditionally evaluate any counter-maps drawn by blue states.
• Opponents have already threatened lawsuits and political campaigns, and influential figures such as former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger may lead efforts to preserve the independent redistricting commission.