California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled plans for a special election to redraw the state’s congressional districts, in a direct attempt to counter the Republican-led redistricting effort in Texas that could add five GOP seats to the House.
Newsom announced the plan on Friday, alongside former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and some of the Democrat lawmakers who have fled Texas.
Ahead of the 2026 midterms, Texas lawmakers have proposed maps that would flip five Democratic-held seats, targeting districts in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and South Texas. The effort has led to dozens of Democrat lawmakers fleeing the state to deny the legislature a quorum and stall the vote. Governor Abbott has threatened to remove them from office if they do not return to their offices.
If the districts are redrawn, these changes would increase the number of Republican-leaning districts from 25 to 30 out of 38.
Newsom framed California’s initiative as a “trigger” response, meaning if Texas proceeds, Golden State voters would decide on a ballot measure in early November to temporarily override the state’s independent redistricting commission and adopt maps favoring Democrats in five Republican-held seats.
“We are talking about emergency measures to respond to what’s happening in Texas and we will nullify what happens in Texas,” Newsom said during a press conference.
“We’ll pick up five seats with the consent of the people. And that’s the difference between the approach we’re taking and the approach they’re taking,” Newsom added.
“We’re doing it on a temporary basis. We’re doing it in a fully transparent way and we’re doing it by asking the people of the state of California for their consent and support.”
Newsom said the state has until August 22 to decide to put the measure on the ballot.
“Greg Abbott, who doesn’t have the courage, doesn’t have the backbone, doesn’t have a conscience of the consequences of his actions… is dialing now for new seats,” Newsom said. “[Trump’s] agenda is failing. His presidency has failed. He knows the headwinds in a midterm. He’s dialing for seats now.”
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