The Brief
Democrats are responding to Texas Republicans with plans to redraw political maps that could slash 5 GOP-held House seats.
The Dems' move is to counter Republican plans to redraw House districts to strengthen the hold on the chamber in 2026.
The move would make is so left-leaning candidates would prevail in certain California races.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Democrats are considering new political maps that could slash five Republican-held House seats in the liberal-leaning state while bolstering Democratic incumbents in other battleground districts.
The move comes in direct response to efforts by Texas Republicans to redraw House districts in order to strengthen the GOP hold on the chamber in 2026.
A draft plan that's circulating aims to boost the Democratic margin to 48 of California's 52 congressional seats, according to a source familiar with the plan who was not authorized to discuss it publicly. That's up from the 43 seats the party now holds. It would need approval from lawmakers and voters, who may be skeptical to give it after handing redistricting power to an independent commission years ago.
In addition, the proposal would generously pad Democratic margins in districts for competitive seats anchored in Orange County, San Diego County and the Central Valley farm belt, giving Democrats a potential advantage as Texas Republicans try to sway the tissue-thin balance of the House.
Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed Monday that Democratic lawmakers are preparing legislation to place the proposal on the November 4 ballot. The plan would temporarily suspend California’s independent redistricting commission and allow the legislature to approve new congressional maps.
Newsom said California is reacting to actions taken by Texas.
"We're working with the legislature on a trigger that if they do move forward, California will not sit by idly and watch this democracy waste away. We'll fight fire with fire," said Newsom.
He called out President Donald Trump for trying to tilt the balance of power in Congress.
"If they can't win playing the game with the existing set of rules, they'll change the rules. That's what Donald Trump has done. He's dialing for seats. Familiar because he dialed for votes in the last election," he added.
According to the proposal, districts now held by Republican Reps. Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao and Doug LaMalfa would see right-leaning voters shaved and Democratic voters boosted in a shift that would make it likely a left-leaning candidate would prevail in each race.
In districts held by Democratic Reps. Dave Min, Mike Levin and Derek Tran, the party's edge would be boosted to strengthen their hold on the seats, the source said.
Democratic members of California's congressional delegation were briefed on the new map on Monday, according to a person familiar with the meeting who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations.
Newsom said the proposal would be fully transparent and distinct from the process in Texas, where critics say maps were drawn behind closed doors and rushed through.
"One has nothing to do with the other," Newsom said. "The ultimate test of transparency is what’s in the voting pamphlet. ultimate test of transparency is what's in the voting pamphlet. The ultimate test of transparency is what voters will decide on full light of day, completely public."
Tight timeline
The timeline is tight. State lawmakers are on recess until August 18, leaving just weeks to draft legislation, hold hearings, and finalize ballot language before election deadlines.
Political analyst Brian Sobel said the proposal faces logistical hurdles but could ultimately succeed.
"It really is a little bit of a wait and see here as to whether Governor Newsom tries to get this on the ballot for November, because maps have to be presented and brought to the ballot. And that is a uphill challenge, since we're very late in the summer now." Sobel said. "But again, the governor has to come to the state of California, the residents, the voters, actually, and say, ‘Hey, do you want this new map?’ Odds are he gets a win there."
Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley announced federal legislation Monday that would ban mid-decade redistricting nationwide. His bill would invalidate any maps drawn outside the standard 10-year census cycle, including those proposed in Texas and California.
"That's why I've introduced a bill that applies to every state and is designed, whether it's a red state or a blue state, to just bring some sanity to the situation here. So let's take a deep breath. Let's get on with the things that really matter to the country. Rather than spending all of this time and attention and money on redistricting when it's not supposed to be happening," he said.
California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said the Democratic caucus met Sunday night to discuss the proposal and is prepared to support it. He described it as a response to what he called "a continued, blatant Trumpian power grab."
Newsom said lawmakers are mindful of the timeline and he’s confident the proposal can make it onto the November ballot.
Associated Press writers Tran Nguyen in Sacramento and Joey Cappelletti in Washington contributed, as well as KTVU's Betty Yu.
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