California Democrats Plan Middecade Redistricting to Counter Texas GOP

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders have launched an initiative to place a redistricting ballot measure before voters in November, aiming to redraw the state's congressional map to counteract Republican redistricting efforts in Texas. This move is framed as a direct response to Texas Republicans, supported by President Donald Trump, who are redrawing districts to favor their party and maintain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterms. California Democrats argue this strategy is necessary to protect American democracy and ensure a fair congressional balance, with Newsom emphasizing the need to "fight fire with fire." The ballot measure would bypass California's independent redistricting commission for three election cycles if approved, allowing the Legislature to enact new maps favoring Democrats. Lawmakers face a tight deadline to place the measure on the November ballot, contingent on ongoing developments in Texas, where Democratic legislators have fled the state to block the GOP-led redistricting. This political showdown highlights the escalating nationwide battle over congressional district lines, with deep blue states like California and New York preparing to counteract Republican maneuvers through aggressive redistricting efforts.