California passes partisan redistricting plan to counter Texas maps

California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.

The Democratic-led legislature approved three bills in both chambers within hours, meeting a Friday deadline to place the measure on the 4 November ballot. If backed by voters, the new boundaries would offset a Trump-backed Texas plan designed to flip five Democratic seats to Republican control.

Governor Newsom, seen as a possible 2028 presidential contender, called the move “fighting fire with fire” in a post on X. He later signed the bills, securing what observers described as one of his biggest political victories since taking office.

Democrats argue the plan is a temporary “emergency” measure in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas, which they denounce as unfairly partisan. They said more than 70% of the proposed California districts mirror boundaries drawn by the state’s independent redistricting commission.

Republicans, however, criticised the process. State Senator Tony Strickland said the maps were “drawn behind closed doors,” while former President Donald Trump hailed the Texas effort as a “big win” on his Truth Social platform.

The Texas plan passed the state House of Representatives on Wednesday and is expected to clear the Senate before heading to Governor Greg Abbott, who has pledged to sign it. Civil rights groups and Democrats say the new Texas maps dilute the voting power of Hispanic and Black residents, potentially violating federal law.

The California initiative marks a break with the state’s 2008 voter-approved tradition of using a bipartisan commission for redistricting. Analysts say both states’ mid-decade moves highlight an escalating national battle over political maps ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections.

Former President Barack Obama endorsed the California strategy as a necessary response to Republican overreach, while warning of risks to democratic norms. Polling by Reuters/Ipsos suggests most Americans oppose gerrymandering, viewing it as harmful to democracy.

Other battlegrounds are emerging, with legislatures in Ohio, Florida, Indiana and Missouri, as well as Democratic-led states including Maryland and Illinois, considering similar steps.

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