California Democrats Consider New Congressional District Maps
California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, indicated on Tuesday that Democrats see a “legal route” to present fresh congressional district maps directly to voters statewide, sidestepping input from the state’s independent congressional commission.
This proposal, he noted, might counteract Republican efforts to influence next year’s midterm elections by advancing measures favoring GOP interests in conservative states like Texas. If successful, the Republicans could solidify their slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, further supporting Trump’s agenda.
“I think the governor could call for special elections with California voters involved, setting them on a different path than an independent committee. It’s straightforward, and then they vote,” Bonta explained. He mentioned that his staff had been collaborating on this topic with Governor Gavin Newsom’s team.
Republicans who could be jeopardized if such a voting law is approved have expressed skepticism regarding Bonta’s assertions, arguing that they threaten democracy. James Gallagher, Assembly GOP leader, criticized the proposal, calling it “a strange legal theory that undermines CA voters.”
“It’s undemocratic, it’s wrong, and it needs to be stopped,” Gallagher commented in a social media post. “If they proceed this way, they will tear the nation apart.”
Bonta didn’t provide many specifics about the potential voting measures, other than mentioning that the state legislature could redraw district lines to present to voters during special elections. The measure would propose that voters temporarily withdraw power previously given to the independent district commission.
Experts note that directly presenting the map to voters could disrupt Californians, who might feel uneasy about having these districts redrawn post-vote.
The governor’s office declined to comment on whether Newsom plans to ask Congress to post the proposed district map for voters. His team indicated that he continues to explore two previously outlined options: either redrawing a map likely to encounter legal challenges or putting the issue up for a statewide vote.
Redistricting—an intricate process of redefining political boundaries—typically happens every decade post-census. The current focus on this issue stems from fears that Trump could lose his slim Republican majority in the House, which could influence the drawing of the Congressional Central District to facilitate more Republican elections in 2026.
Like many state lawmakers, California lawmakers have historically gerrymandered boundaries to protect incumbents. However, in 2010, voters passed measures that established an independent redistricting commission aimed at integrating communities of interest while respecting minority voting rights.
Both state Republicans and Democrats have been critical of these measures, seeing them as a diminishment of their power. Now, Democrats are pushing back after the Trump administration encouraged GOP-led states to redraw their district lines in more favorable ways. In California, partisan redistricting allowed the state’s delegation of 52 members to have a mix that currently includes nine Republicans.
For any potential changes to be presented to voters, they first need to clear Congress, especially before special elections can be scheduled. There may be legal contentiousness ahead.
“In general, when people vote on something, it can alter the situation significantly, and if Congress doesn’t take action to support what voters have decided, there will be a need for them to vote again,” Bonta stated during a press conference. His office noted, “I worked to assure that there was a legal pathway for California to respond to and act on every action Texas takes.”
