California Democrats and Texas Republicans Clash Over Congressional Maps

California Democrats and Texas Republicans are in an old-fashioned standoff, both threatening to redraw their congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Caught in the middle are five California Republicans, ranging from newcomers to seasoned veterans, representing areas from the US-Mexico border to remote northeastern forests.

The Texas GOP, following President Trump’s request, has successfully secured five additional seats, which has left the Republican majority in the House of Representatives hanging by a narrow margin. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom claims the state will counter with a new map aimed at increasing the number of Democrats sent to Washington.

“People are going to get tired of the idea that the president believes he’s entitled to five additional seats,” Newsom remarked during a Thursday press conference. “That’s not normal, and anyone who says it is, is really normalizing something shocking.”

A draft map reviewed recently indicates that California’s redistricting plan may expand Democrat control by adding five new districts favoring Democrats. If this plan goes through, Republicans might find their representation dropping from nine to just four out of the state’s 52 House seats.

Typically, congressional districts in California are drawn once every decade by an independent committee. However, Newsom is pushing for new maps that would be presented to voters on November 4, shortly after lawmakers return to Sacramento from their summer recess.

Newsom notes that there’s a “trigger” in California’s proposed changes; the new map will only take effect if Texas proceeds with its own redistricting plan.

“We aim to conduct this in the most transparent fashion,” Newsom stated. “This process will unfold over the coming weeks, and I want to ensure that people know what they’re voting for.”

While the proposed congressional boundaries are still shifting, California Democrats remain focused on consolidating Republican voters into fewer seats, enhancing the vulnerability of Democrats, and turning Republican districts into competitive toss-ups.

Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin)

Kiley’s expansive district stretches along the Nevada border from Northern California down to Death Valley, encompassing cities like Mammoth, Lake Tahoe, Roseville, Rocklin, and Folsom. Currently, Republicans have a 6% voter registration advantage in his district, but the boundaries could shrink to bring in more registered Democrats while pushing rural conservatives further north.

Kiley recently introduced a bill aimed at overriding newly drawn congressional boundaries, which he believes will stop the partisan power struggles from tearing apart the country.

Newsom has criticized this move, arguing it undermines voters’ will and threatens California’s democratic integrity.

Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale)

LaMalfa’s district is a stronghold for Republicans, covering Northern California and bordering Oregon and Nevada. He shared that one proposed map could shift his district southward, including parts of the wine country and taking conservative rural areas into other districts. This would merge areas near the Oregon border with regions just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

“Democrats are really pushing the limits here,” LaMalfa said. “I hope the backlash from this situation weighs heavily on them before the dust settles.”

Confident in a potential lawsuit against a new map should Democrats proceed, LaMalfa noted backing from groups like Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, both of which have raised concerns.

“I’m not stressed about it,” he added, humorously referencing a fallen tree near his fence. “Whatever happens, we’ll deal with it.”

Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford)

The proposed changes might lead to increased Democrat registration in areas of the Central Valley. Over the years, Democrats have aimed at Valadao’s seat, which has a high Medicaid recipient percentage—some of whom may face financial insecurity under Republican policies.

Historically, Valadao faced challenges in previous elections, particularly after voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017, losing his seat two years later.

He did not respond to requests for comments regarding the new plans.

Reps. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) and Young Kim (R-Anaheim Hills)

The current map could require Calvert and Kim to compete in the same district. Calvert, a long-serving member since 1992, has represented a district in Riverside County, while Kim has been in Congress since 2020, representing an Orange County area.

Calvert strongly opposes the “behind-the-scenes scheme by Sacramento politicians,” arguing it enables legislators to create districts that benefit their party interests.

Kim expressed similar sentiments, stating that the process undermines voter rights and trust in the political system. She urged for prioritizing urgent issues rather than focusing on political positioning.

Newsom saw the Republican stance on independent constituency processes as a hopeful sign, remarking on the need for awareness about California’s significance and size.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Bonsall)

Issa, a long-time member of Congress, might see his safe Republican district become more competitive with the inclusion of Palm Springs, a liberal area known for Democratic fundraising.

A spokesperson for Issa declined to comment, though earlier statements from the Republican delegation highlighted concerns that these changes are an attempt to shift power from independent committees back to politicians, pushing a left-leaning agenda.

The delegation affirmed that partisan gerrymandering doesn’t align with the desires of California voters.