California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a redistricting plan in response to a new Texas congressional map that could potentially flip five Democratic seats to the GOP. This proposition would likely give Democrats five more seats in the House, which sparked both pushback and support among the two major political parties in California.
In a press release announcing a statewide effort to fight against President Trump’s attempt to rig Texas’ elections, Governor Newsom said, “This moment calls for urgency and action – that is what we are putting before voters this November, a chance to fight back against [President Trump’s] anti-American ways.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new congressional map in an effort to win more House seats for the GOP at the request of President Trump.
Critics of the proposition argue that California’s independent redistricting process should not be changed and that proposition would not be in the people’s best interest. The golden state has had the California Citizens Redistricting Commission since 2010 that set in motion independent, citizen redistricting. “I just say very simply, it is very wrong what they are doing in Texas and it is very wrong what they are trying to do in California. It is not at all serving the people. It is serving the party,” Republican and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said.
However, supporters of this plan argue that action needs to be taken in order to prevent manipulation in the upcoming elections. “California Democrats will not allow Trump’s Republican Party to rig the system and take permanent control of the U.S. House of Representatives,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said. They believe that they need to counter President Trump’s actions.
Despite the points made, many remain unconvinced that this redistricting proposal is the solution. “There’s really only one way to stop – someone has to refrain from striking back, and show a better way,” said Republican Assembly member James Gallagher. Others also voiced against the plan because they believe it goes against the CCRC. Newsom’s plan would replace the 2020 CCRC congressional map that was already decided by elected commissioners until the next 2030 redistricting cycle.
As the situation evolves, there is no denying that this would have a powerful effect on future elections for all parties. The decision is up to the Californian citizens to vote for or against Proposition 50 on Nov. 4, 2025.
