California Democrats are touting their rezoning efforts as “transparent,” yet they’re not clear about who is actually behind the proposed congressional map changes. Governor Gavin Newsom, along with state Democrats, has drafted a new congressional map that could potentially secure an extra five seats for the party. However, when Republican lawmakers and Congressional Democrats were questioned about the individuals influencing this map, they sidestepped the inquiries.
“When I go to a restaurant, I don’t need to see the chef,” remarked Gail Peralin, the chair of the Democratic Congressional Election Committee. This comment came amidst persistent questioning from reporters about who shaped the map.
In a statement, Lance Christensen, representing the California Center for Policy, noted a concerning level of incompetence in Congress, highlighting how a straightforward question has led to confusion. The husband of the chief witness reportedly drew the map.
The newly proposed map will be drafted by the Congressional Committee on Elections and the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments. However, reports have surfaced indicating that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee provided funding for the map, which raises more questions than it answers.
Interestingly, the wife of Paul Mitchell, a key figure in this process, leads a California organization focused on parent-child planning.
Cecilia Aguilar Curry, the majority leader of the Democratic Congress, emphasized, “Congress drew the map,” while also claiming not to have personally contributed to its creation. Conversely, Republican Congressman Alexandra Macedo expressed frustration that, despite being the vice-chairman of the very committee involved in this mapping process, he felt left out.
Sabrina Cervantes, the Chair of the Democrat Senate Election Committee, dodged inquiries about who precisely is responsible for the new map, asserting instead that the procedure is “most transparent.”
“This is a complete tragedy,” said Christensen, expressing concern over how difficult it is for even lawmakers to clarify who was behind the map. He emphasized that if they struggle to provide clarity, average voters would likely find it even more challenging.
A new map was submitted on a Friday and underwent slight modifications by the following Monday. Sources claim that California’s Democratic leadership is unable to explain the reasons for these changes or who requested them.
Reports indicate that California Senator Mike McGuire had one of his districts adjusted in exchange for backing the plan, raising further ethical questions surrounding the process.
James Gallagher, the Republican leader in the California Legislature, stressed the importance of transparency, demanding to know who has influenced these maps and what politicians were involved. “People deserve answers,” he asserted.
Newsom’s initiative to redraw the state’s legislative map requires shifting zoning powers from the constitutionally mandated Independent Commission to the state legislature, which must be approved via a statewide referendum.
This effort is already facing legal challenges, with claims from four Republican lawmakers that it’s circumventing constitutional mandates for a public review period. They’ve accused Democrats of rushing the redraw process through legislative tactics that allow them to attach unrelated amendments regarding rezoning.
No comments have been received from Newsom, Pellerin, Curry, and Cervantes regarding this ongoing situation.
