What Newsom's partisan redistricting measure could mean for San Diego
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
After last week outlining a plan to ask voters to approve new congressional maps across California this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday his plan would be triggered only if Texas executes its own redistricting effort first.
Why it matters: Newsom's gambit is part of an escalating showdown between blue and red states ahead of the 2026 midterm that could determine control of Congress.
Driving the news: Last week, Newsom told reporters during an unrelated press conference he intends to hold a special election on Nov. 4 for voters to approve a yet-to-be-drawn map aimed at increasing Democratic seats.
- The Legislature would need to vote to send the measure to a special election before voters had a say.
- He said Monday that legislation would specify that it only moves forward if Texas moves forward "dismantling protocols that are well established."
Catch up quick: President Trump ignited the redistricting arms race last month by urging Texas Republicans to redraw their maps to gain seats, with Missouri and Ohio soon following suit.
- New York and California, Democrat bastions, quickly promised to answer in kind.
- The Supreme Court unleashed the partisan gerrymandering floodgates in 2019, when it ruled federal courts had no right to rein in the practice.
California's initiative would amend 2008 voter-approved measure that created an independent redistricting commission to do the job every decade after a new Census.
- The new maps would be in place for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections, with authority then reverting back to the redistricting commission.
What he's saying: "We're reacting to the president of the United States and (Texas) Gov. Abbott trying to rig the election," Newsom said.
- "There is a growing recognition in this country … that, de facto, the Trump presidency ends in November next year if the American people are given a fair chance," he said. "The president of the United States recognizes that, so he wants to rig the game, wants to change the rules midterm."
By the numbers: Democrats don't have many targets to combat Texas' aim for five new red seats. Of California's 52 Congressional districts, Republicans represent just nine.
- One of those Republicans is Rep. Darrell Issa, whose 48th district seat straddles Riverside and San Diego counties and has about a 50,000-person Republican registration edge.
- A blue gerrymander would also likely seek to protect Democrat Rep. Mike Levin's 49th district seat, straddling Orange and San Diego counties, which the Cook Political Report lists as one of the state's 12 most vulnerable.
What's next: The Legislature is out of session until Aug. 18.
- To push Newsom's plan, lawmakers would have to waive the state's requirement that initiatives be placed on the ballot 180 days before an election.