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.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack against Iran after Tehran sent a peac...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he had paused a planned attack on Iran after Tehran sent a peace proposal to Washington. He said th...
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U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack against Iran after Tehran sent a peace proposal to Washington, and that there was now a "very good chance" of reaching a deal limiting Iran's nuclear programme.
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapid urban growth is placing increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure and climate resilience.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) has opened in Baku, bringing together governments, international organisations, city leaders and civil society to address mounting global urban challenges.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning that the situation poses a significant risk of cross-border spread in Central Africa.
Three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard while the two suspects were later found dead after the attack, authorities have confirmed.
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the country to a standstill.
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, residents said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through expanded trade and economic cooperation.
Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians on Sunday, according to local health officials, as the Israel Defense Forces intensified operations targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure across the enclave.
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