California: California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that the state will hold a special election on November 4 to allow voters to approve temporary redistricting of the state's congressional maps in response to Republican efforts in Texas. "We'll be asking for the people on November 4, a special election...to provide a temporary pathway for congressional maps," Newsom said at a Democratic party event, explaining that the measure would permit midterm redistricting in 2026, 2028, and 2030.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Democratic governor said the move directly responds to Texas' recent redistricting actions. "We're doing this in reaction to a president of the United States that called a sitting governor of the state of Texas and said 'Find me five seats,'" Newsom said. He mentioned that the proposal would temporarily bypass California's independent redistricting commission, which is designed to prevent gerrymandering, with a commitment to restore it after the 2030 census.
Newsom emphasized transparency, stating California is "putting the maps on the ballot" and "giving the power to the people," contrasting with Texas's approach. He urged other Democratic-controlled states to take similar action, saying: "We've got to meet fire with fire."
Speaking at the event, Senator Adam Schiff targeted President Donald Trump, saying, "You come after our votes in California, and we will fight you tooth and nail." Senator Alex Padilla echoed his colleague's sentiment, accusing the Trump administration of "corruption" and "trying to rig the system."
In a letter Newsom sent to Trump on Monday, he urged the former president to abandon ongoing redistricting efforts in states like Texas, aiming to redraw maps to favor Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. He added that he would 'happily' refrain from action if other states dropped their efforts.
State House Democratic lawmakers departed from Texas on August 3, protesting the proposed redistricting plan and denying the chamber its required quorum. This walkout has triggered retaliation, as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the state Supreme Court to expel 13 Democrats from the House last Friday. Additionally, Texas Governor Greg Abbott filed an emergency petition last week seeking the removal of Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu from office. Senator John Cornyn mentioned last Thursday that FBI Director Kash Patel approved his request for federal agents to assist Texas authorities in locating the absent Democratic lawmakers.