California Approves Special Election For Democratic-Favoring Redistricting

California lawmakers, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, have approved a special election for November to let voters decide on a redrawn congressional map aimed at securing five additional Democratic seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. This move is a direct response to a Republican-backed redistricting plan in Texas, supported by President Donald Trump, intended to gain five favorable congressional seats for the GOP and preserve their House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms. Newsom framed the special election as a fight against election rigging efforts by Trump, emphasizing the need to protect democracy. The legislation, passed with a Democratic supermajority, bypasses California's typical independent redistricting commission process and has drawn criticism from Republicans who warn that such retaliatory tactics could damage the political system. The redistricting battle reflects a wider national conflict, with other states also considering mid-decade map changes, highlighting the razor-thin House majority at stake. Both parties are preparing for continued legal and political fights over the maps as the midterms approach.