California Democrats are considering a plan to redraw political maps that could eliminate five Republican-held U.S. House seats. This move aims to counteract efforts by Texas Republicans to strengthen their hold on the House of Representatives. The proposed plan, which is still in draft form, seeks to increase the number of Democratic-held seats in California from 43 to 48 out of the state’s 52 congressional districts, according to a source familiar with the plan who was not authorized to discuss it publicly.
Governor Gavin Newsom has already hosted Texas Democrats in Sacramento and is pushing for this redistricting effort. The plan would need approval from both lawmakers and voters, who may be hesitant since they previously handed redistricting power to an independent commission. However, the urgency of the situation has led to a rapid acceleration of the redistricting process.
According to Politico, the plan envisions forcing out Republican incumbents, including Reps. David Valadao, Kevin Kiley, and Darrell Issa. The Democratic-controlled California Legislature is expected to vote on the new map soon, aiming for a special election in November. The proposal is contingent on Texas enacting its new districts.
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, a Democrat from Oakland, said, “It’s not a fight any of us want to be in, but we’re in it, so we’re going to fight.” The plan’s success will depend on persuading California voters to return line-drawing power to politicians, a move that could face skepticism.
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