California and Texas Face Off in Redistricting Battle

California voters will face a decision in November regarding a redrawn congressional map. This map, designed to potentially benefit Democrats by increasing their representation in the U.S. House, follows a similar move by Texas Republicans, who, at the urging of former President Donald Trump, have redrawn their own map to favor their party.

California lawmakers approved the legislation for the special election with votes largely along party lines. Governor Gavin Newsom, a proponent of the map, quickly signed it, marking the latest development in a cycle of partisan redistricting. Newsom framed the move as a response to actions taken in Texas, aiming to engage voters across the political spectrum. Republicans, however, have voiced opposition, filing a lawsuit and calling for a federal investigation.

Republicans, including Assemblyman James Gallagher, criticized the approach, arguing that it was a dangerous response to actions taken in other states. The Texas map still requires a final vote in the state Senate and the signature of Governor Greg Abbott. This effort is part of a broader strategy by Trump to maintain the Republican majority in the U.S. House, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 midterm elections.

The partisan makeup of existing districts puts Democrats within a narrow margin of a majority. The President's party typically loses congressional seats in midterm elections. Trump has also encouraged other Republican-controlled states to revise their maps to favor the GOP. Redistricting usually occurs after a census, but there are no national restrictions on states redrawing districts mid-decade.

The Supreme Court has ruled that partisan gerrymandering is not unconstitutional, only the use of race in drawing district lines. Texas Republicans have embraced this, with the stated goal of improving Republican political performance. California Democrats have responded by arguing that they must take action to counter the Republican moves.

California's redistricting commission was established through a 2008 ballot measure, with its role expanded to include congressional maps in 2010. Democrats have sought a national commission but have been unsuccessful in passing legislation to create one. Newsom, who supported the initial redistricting commission, believes California is still setting a model. Former President Barack Obama has also supported Newsom's efforts, viewing it as a necessary step to counter the actions in Texas.

The California map is intended to be in effect until 2030, when the state's commission will draw a new map after the next census. Democrats are also considering redrawing maps in Maryland and New York. However, Republican-controlled states have more flexibility in redrawing maps. In Texas, Democrats employed unusual tactics to delay the process. California Republicans have criticized the Democrats' actions, arguing that they undermine the state's nonpartisan approach and take away the voice of Californians.