California Governor Gavin Newsom is making headlines with a new redistricting plan aimed at reshaping the state’s congressional maps. As he gears up for a run for the Democratic nomination in 2028, Newsom is responding to recent actions by Texas lawmakers who are also redistricting. He believes that California needs to act to ensure its political landscape reflects its Democratic majority.
Under California law, redistricting is supposed to happen every ten years after the census, with an independent commission overseeing the process. However, Newsom is pushing for a special election on November 4 to allow voters to approve new congressional maps. He wants these changes in place before the 2026 midterm elections, hoping to gain five additional Democratic seats.
In his announcement, Newsom emphasized the need to "fight fire with fire" in response to what he sees as aggressive tactics from Texas Republicans. This comes after he faced criticism for how he handled wildfires and immigration issues in the state, which he has previously linked to federal policies under former President Trump.
Currently, California has 52 congressional seats, with Democrats holding 43 of them. Despite the state’s Democratic majority, Newsom’s push for redistricting has sparked controversy. Many Californians prefer keeping the independent commission in charge of drawing district lines. A recent poll revealed that two-thirds of voters support this approach, indicating a lack of enthusiasm for Newsom’s proposal.
Critics argue that the independent redistricting process is already compromised, citing statements from commission members that suggest a willingness to redraw maps outside of their authority. With many voters skeptical of Newsom’s intentions, the governor’s plan could face significant hurdles.
As Newsom continues to position himself for the 2028 presidential race, some see this redistricting effort as more about political strategy than genuine concern for fair representation. Whether he can rally support for his plan remains to be seen, but it certainly adds to the ongoing political drama in California.
