California governor unveils voting lines plan to counter Texas Republicans

August 15, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed an Emergency Rigging Response Act that would allow state lawmakers to redraw congressional districts before the 2026 midterms through a special election in November. This move is explicitly designed to counter a similar redistricting effort in Texas backed by Donald Trump that could give Republicans five additional House seats. Newsom frames this as "meeting fire with fire" in the ongoing gerrymandering battle between Democrats and Republicans that could determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Who is affected

California voters
Texas voters
U.S. congressional representatives
Democratic and Republican parties
Citizens across the United States whose congressional representation could change
California's independent redistricting commission

What action is being taken

Governor Newsom is proposing the Election Rigging Response Act for a special election in November
Texas Republicans are attempting to redraw congressional districts mid-decade
Texas Democrats are physically leaving the state to prevent a quorum needed for voting on the redistricting plan
Texas Governor Greg Abbott is threatening to arrest Democratic lawmakers and calling continuous special sessions
Some Texas Democrats are planning to return to their state after seeing California's counter-plan

Why it matters

The redistricting battle could determine control of the House of Representatives
It could potentially escalate into a nationwide "political arms race" for congressional control
It would affect Trump's ability to advance his legislative agenda if he wins the presidency
It represents a departure from California's current system of using an independent commission for redistricting
Only 36% of Californians support returning redistricting authority to lawmakers
The outcome could influence whether congressional districts are drawn by partisan legislators or independent commissions

What's next

California will release newly redrawn political boundaries in the coming days
California voters will decide whether to approve Newsom's plan in a November special election
Some Texas Democrats are expected to return to their state as early as this weekend
Trump is considering encouraging Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to redraw districts in Florida

Read full article from source: BBC