The California state legislature deserves a lot of credit for taking such a brave step in the battle for congressional representation. They’ve already passed the first of three redistricting bills carefully crafted to target and flip Republican-held seats across the state. In short, Governor Gavin Newsom is making a savvy political play to improve his national profile. This decision gives credence to his long-term ambitions for the presidency in 2028. On Thursday, the state house followed suit and passed the measure with a strong 57-20 vote. Democratic lawmakers stood and cheered as the measure passed to the state senate for further consideration.
Their new redistricting plan has already succeeded in creating a net gain of five seats for Democrats in Congress. This decision acts as a key rejoinder to the state Republican redistricting across Texas, tightly controlled by former President Donald Trump. The national political landscape makes clear just how high the stakes are. Both sides are trying to lock in their electoral advantages as fast as possible ahead of next summer’s midterm elections.
California’s action follows an extraordinary conservative revolt in Texas earlier this month. Democratic lawmakers courageously put their bodies on the line to break quorum and block a radical GOP redistricting proposal. No one is moving faster than California right now. The state was determined to push back against what most saw as a power-hungry, authoritarian move by Republicans to gerrymander.
Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated he will sign the bill upon receipt. He’s already received endorsements from heavyweight supporters including former President Barack Obama and former Attorney General Eric Holder, both of whom support fair redistricting practices. Their support underlines just how moving this legislative step would be. It does so in a way that responds directly to perceived injustices in our political arena.
Though the approval by the full California assembly points to overwhelming support among Democrats, the ending appears far from certain. And recent polling conducted by Newsom’s longtime pollster, David Binder, finds the measure enjoying robust support among California voters. That makes for a very decent 57% in favor, and just 35% against. This indicates that despite widespread public support for the concept, a large segment of the public is still unconvinced.
The plan is not without its critics. Citing the possible expense of a special election, Republican lawmakers were none too pleased. These concerns are based on the possibility that Newsom will sign this bill into law. They estimate the election could exceed $230 million, arguing that those funds would be better allocated to pressing issues such as healthcare.
Democratic leaders like Robert Rivas emphasize the importance of empowering voters against what they characterize as authoritarianism.
“We will not let our political system be hijacked by authoritarianism. And today, we give every Californian the power to say no.” – Robert Rivas
Now the California State Supreme Court has ruled on the case. It rejected an emergency plea from GOP lawmakers to stop the implementation of the controversial redistricting map. This ruling is a green light for the legislative process to move forward without interference.
Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher summed up his fears about the fallout from this ambitious plan to break new ground on redistricting.
“The problem when you fight fire with fire is you burn it all down.” – James Gallagher
While Gallagher’s sentiment reflects apprehension about the broader implications of partisan maneuvers, Newsom remains resolute in his commitment to pursue this course of action.
“And we’re going to fight fire with fire.” – Gavin Newsom
This legislative action marks a historic moment for California. Now Wisconsin finds itself steering through treacherous political waters both inside the state’s borders and outside of them. Armed with a supermajority in the legislature, Democrats are poised to make further Democrat-friendly progress without so much as a whimper from a veritable Republican caucus of one.