California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed a redistricting proposal aimed at redrawing the state’s congressional boundaries to potentially create five new Democratic House seats. The move comes as a response to maps advanced by Republicans in Texas.
The Democratic-controlled state legislature approved the legislative package after intense debate. With the governor’s signature, the measure will now go to voters in a special election this November. Newsom called the effort a way to “neutralize” maps in Texas designed to benefit Republicans ahead of next year’s congressional elections.
Democrats framed the plan as a defense of fair elections. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas stated it gives Californians the power to have a say in the process. The plan is expected to flip several Republican-held districts and balance efforts in Texas to secure additional GOP seats.
The redistricting push has drawn mixed reactions. Some Democrats expressed concern over changing independent map-drawing efforts, while Republicans criticized the plan as overly partisan. Despite opposition, early polling in California shows strong support, with 57% backing the proposal.
