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Black Lawmakers at Forefront of Newsom–Trump Redistricting Clash

August 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and California Democratic leaders have unveiled the Election Rigging Response Act, a plan to authorize special congressional redistricting in response to President Trump's partisan gerrymandering efforts in other states. The proposal would allow the Legislature to temporarily bypass California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission and draw new congressional maps for the 2026-2030 elections if approved by voters on November 4. The package includes three bills that would call for a special election, establish new district maps, and reimburse counties for election costs, with lawmakers setting an expedited schedule to pass the legislation by August 21.

Who is affected

  • California voters who would decide on the proposed constitutional amendment
  • California's 52 congressional districts and their residents
  • Black and Latino communities specifically mentioned as targets of voter suppression
  • County election offices that would be reimbursed for special election costs
  • The Citizens Redistricting Commission whose authority would be temporarily bypassed
  • Democratic and Republican congressional candidates in future elections

What action is being taken

  • Governor Newsom and Democratic leaders are proposing a constitutional amendment called the Election Rigging Response Act
  • Lawmakers are following an expedited schedule to introduce and pass the bills when they return from recess on August 18
  • Maps drawn by the Legislature's independent experts are being made publicly available on Assembly and Senate Elections Committee websites
  • Black lawmakers are speaking out nationally against what they describe as race-based redistricting tactics
  • Republicans are organizing opposition, with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reportedly planning a $100 million campaign to defeat the measure

Why it matters

  • The redistricting effort is presented as a defense of democracy against partisan gerrymandering in other states
  • The outcome could potentially help Democrats retake control of the U.S. House of Representatives
  • The proposal represents a significant departure from California's voter-approved independent redistricting system
  • The initiative specifically aims to protect voting rights for communities of color according to Black lawmakers
  • The special election could cost approximately $235.5 million statewide according to Assembly Republicans
  • Both sides view this as a high-stakes battle that could determine congressional control

What's next

  • If voters approve the measure, the new maps would govern California's 52 congressional districts starting in 2026
  • Both political sides are preparing for an expensive campaign fight that could exceed $200 million
  • Charles Munger Jr., who championed California's independent redistricting commission, may contribute up to $30 million to oppose the measure
  • Lawmakers must pass the bills with a two-thirds majority on August 21 for them to go before voters in the special election

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint