Gavin Newsom (AP)
In retaliation to Republican-led redistricting in Texas, California governor Gavin Newsom has urged the legislature to authorise a November special election aimed at approving a new congressional map, a move critics say undermines independent redistricting, reported news agency AP.Dubbed the Election Rigging Response Act, the measure would temporarily override the citizens redistricting commission – California’s independent, voter-approved body, and return power to the Democratic-controlled Legislature to redraw congressional districts. The proposed map is designed to add five Democratic seats if GOP states such as Texas redraw theirs mid-decade. Newsom said the move is necessary to “fight back” against “Trump-driven” partisan gerrymandering.Republican leaders wasted no time in condemning the proposal, Representative Doug LaMalfa fumed that the plan was “an absolutely ridiculous gerrymander!”, sarcastically noting that under the plan, his rural district would stretch all the way to Marin County.The California GOP labelled it a “MASTERCLASS IN CORRUPTION”. While Representative Christian Martinez, on behalf of the NRCC, branded Newsom’s initiative as “a giant middle finger to every Californian,” as quoted by the agency. Not all critics are from the right. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Republican governor and architect of California’s independent redistricting commission, denounced the move, arguing that restoring partisan control over map drawing violates both reform ideals and democratic norms. Republicans have already filed a legal challenge with the state Supreme Court, claiming that the proposal violates the state constitution and lacks adequate public scrutiny. However, legal experts from UCLA and Loyola law schools suggest that the Legislature can legally propose constitutional amendments and that federal law does not prohibit mid-decade redistricting.Gavin Newsom’s redistricting gambit has ignited fierce partisan backlash and renewed debate over democratic process versus political expediency. Whether California voters support this high-stakes countermeasure in November could reshape both state and national power dynamics, and perhaps shed light on the future of reform in electoral mapping.
