Gov. Newsom is giving an update Friday about congressional redistricting options he's considering.
Ashley Zavala, KCRA
California lawmakers are on a month-long summer recess, but when they return, they could step into a Congressional redistricting war depending on just how far Texas state lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom are willing to go.
This upcoming Saturday, the Texas Legislature is scheduled to start a series of hearings on whether the state should redraw its Congressional districts. The topic is one of many in a special legislative session ordered by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. President Donald Trump has asked the state's Republican leaders to secure more seats for the party in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 election by redrawing district lines this year.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is still in the process of deciding how or even if he'll try to change California's redistricting process to do the same for Democrats. Before he left for vacation last week, the governor said he may try to take the issue to voters in a special election this year or get the Democratic-dominated California Legislature to draw the Congressional lines.
Both options would require a lot of work in a short amount of time from state lawmakers, who don't appear too eager to discuss the issue just yet.
KCRA 3 reached out to the Democratic leaders of the Assembly Elections Committee and State Senate's Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee. Neither state Sen. Sabrina Cervantes nor Assemblymember Gail Pellerin were available for an interview on Wednesday, but both provided written statements.
Neither weighed in specifically on Newsom's push, both criticized Texas, and both signaled any response from California would prioritize voters.
"Efforts to redistrict should be about people, not politicians. Texas legislators should have that same focus," Cervantes said in her statement. "Nearly two decades ago, Californians voted to take back the power of redistricting, rightfully believing fair maps lead to better representation. The aim of any future redistricting effort, no matter what state, should be about putting voters and the needs of communities first. This is the principle that should guide us all, and we’ll be working with Pro Tem McGuire and legislative leadership on any potential next steps."
"I am alarmed by the blatant efforts in Texas to redraw congressional maps mid-decade for political gain," Pellerin said in part. "Donald Trump and his allies are once again trying to cheat the system — undermining fair elections and silencing voters to protect their own power. Trump and Texas Republicans are trying to steal our democracy. In California, we will always make sure interests of voters comes first."
Paul Mitchell, a California elections expert and vice president of Political Data Inc., said both of the options Newsom is considering come with complexities.
For the last two decades, California's redistricting process has been in the hands of a citizen-led, independent redistricting commission. If lawmakers were to suddenly redraw the maps this year, Mitchell said someone would likely sue.
Because voters approved the redistricting process, lawmakers could write a new ballot measure, pass the proposal with a 2/3 vote from state lawmakers, and then hope voters agree. Mitchell noted this could be complicated because an overwhelming majority of voters support California's current independent redistricting process.
"It would require voters to think ok, I'm so angry about what's happening in Texas. I believe we need to fight fire with fire, so I'm willing to go to partisan redistricting even if it's for one election," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the issue ends up going to voters, that could happen this upcoming November. He said the Congressional districts would need to be drawn and set by the end of this year.
Mitchell estimates if the maps in California are redrawn, it could boot up to five Republicans out of their Congressional offices. He said the districts could include typically competitive seats in the Central Valley and Southern California, and other Republican districts that are right next to Democratic strongholds. Mitchell said that could include Rocklin's Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley's district.
When asked if he's worried about losing his seat with this discussion ongoing, Rep. Kiley told KCRA 3, "No, because I think California voters, if this comes to them again, will reaffirm this process should be non-partisan."
Kiley said politicians should not be choosing their voters.
"I think this should alarm anyone who cares about Democracy and fairness," he said.