California Plans Mid-Decade Redistricting If Texas Enacts GOP Maps

California Governor Gavin Newsom is preparing to challenge Texas's mid-decade redistricting efforts, which Republicans hope will add five GOP seats to the U.S. House following a legal ruling that invalidated coalition minority districts in Texas. Newsom plans to propose a conditional mid-decade redistricting measure to California voters, triggered only if Texas successfully redraws its congressional maps to favor Republicans. Democratic leaders in California, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Zoe Lofgren, have rallied behind the effort, viewing it as a necessary response to what they see as attempts to undermine California's political influence and congressional representation. The redistricting could potentially result in Democrats holding all but four of California's 52 congressional districts, strengthening their position and targeting vulnerable GOP incumbents. This political clash is part of a broader battle over control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterms, with President Trump backing Texas Republicans' efforts. California Democrats emphasize that their response will be forceful and strategic, asserting the state's significant political weight against Texas's moves.