This week, California Governor Gavin Newsom responded with his own bold initiative to complement Texas’s plans to redraw congressional maps. He announced that California would not “unilaterally disarm” in the face of increasing partisan headwinds. He called on fellow blue states to join him in pushing back against what he termed the partisan redistricting scheme of their opponents.
At a press conference on Thursday, Newsom promised the state’s redistricting plan rolling out on a comprehensive, new website. He characterized this effort as particularly important in light of the national crises that we’re all facing. He owned up to the major expense so far in this campaign, admitting it would definitely draw national interest and donations.
Governor Newsom called for a special election on November 4 to allow voters to approve the proposed new congressional map. He formally announced that the Democratic-led state legislature would spearhead the effort to redraw California’s congressional districts, asserting his confidence in the initiative’s chances of receiving necessary support.
“It’s not good enough to just hold hands, have a candlelight vigil and talk about the way the world should be,” Newsom remarked, underlining the urgency of taking action. He reiterated that all states should adopt independent commissions for mapmaking, similar to California’s existing framework, to ensure fair representation.
This congressional map will likely stay in place until after the 2030 elections. Since then, Newsom has promised to return the power of mapmaking to California’s independent redistricting commission. He gutted former President Donald Trump and his minions’ “raid” on democracy. He charged them with even more anti-democratic efforts to scare Democrats away from redistricting battle with radical racially motivated redistricting.
“It’s time we recognize the cards that have been dealt. We have got to meet fire with fire,” he added, emphasizing the necessity of proactive measures in response to perceived threats to electoral integrity.
Eric Holder, former U.S. Attorney General and a leader in the fight for equitable voting across the country, backed Newsom’s move. He highlighted the “demand for extreme and unjustified mid-decade gerrymanders in Texas and beyond” and asserted, “We have no choice but to defend it.”
Newsom expressed his concern about the implications of partisan gerrymandering, stating, “You will not have a country if he rigs this election,” referring specifically to Trump’s influence over the redistricting process.
The Governor’s initiative, dubbed the “Election Rigging Response Act,” aims to protect California voters from manipulative redistricting practices that threaten fair representation. By involving voters through a special election, Newsom hopes to ensure that the state’s political landscape remains balanced and reflective of its diverse population.