California Legislature Approves Redistricting Plan Ahead of 2026

California lawmakers have approved a significant redistricting plan that aims to reshape the state’s congressional districts in favor of the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. On Thursday, the California Legislature passed legislation that will put a measure on the November 2025 ballot, allowing voters to decide on new district maps that deviate from the existing ones drawn by an independent commission.

Governor Gavin Newsom, who has advocated for this plan as a necessary counter to partisan redistricting efforts initiated by Republicans in Texas, is expected to sign the Election Rigging Response Act later today. This act proposes to temporarily discard the current district lines, enabling Democratic representatives to draw new maps intended to flip five seats presently held by Republican lawmakers.

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas expressed the significance of this legislation, stating, “Today we give every Californian the power to say ‘No’ to Donald Trump’s power grab and yes to our people, to our state and to our democracy.” This sentiment echoes a broader political strategy, as Democrats responded quickly to Texas Republicans, who advanced their own redistricting measures earlier in the week.

The impetus for this redistricting initiative can be traced back to President Donald Trump, who urged Texas Republicans to redraw district lines to potentially gain five additional seats for the GOP. Following Trump’s call, California Democrats have aimed to neutralize any Republican gains by proposing their own redistricting strategy. This has ignited a national debate over the implications of gerrymandering, with California now positioning itself at the forefront of this issue.

California Senate President Mike McGuire emphasized the necessity of the plan, stating, “We’re here today for one reason: the nefarious actions of the Republican leadership in Texas. California didn’t pick this fight.”

The Assembly vote saw two Democrats abstaining: Dawn Addis, who represents Monterey, and Alex Lee, who represents Fremont and Milpitas. Lee has previously indicated support for independent redistricting but stopped short of endorsing the party’s current approach.

As soon as Governor Newsom signs the bill, a vigorous political campaign is expected to commence, aimed at persuading voters to support the redistricting measure in the upcoming election. High-profile endorsements have already emerged, including former President Barack Obama, who has backed the redistricting efforts, while former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has expressed opposition.

Political analysts have noted that this redistricting battle may benefit Newsom politically, especially as he has recently hinted at aspirations for a presidential run in 2028. According to reports, he has raised over $6 million since launching the campaign for redistricting last week.

The California Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge from Republican lawmakers on Wednesday, paving the way for the Democrats’ plan to proceed. Despite this, James Gallagher, the top Republican in the state Assembly, criticized the legislation as “illegal,” pointing out that California voters had previously favored independent redistricting in both 2008 and 2010.

The proposed maps are not expected to drastically alter district lines in the Bay Area, which is predominantly represented by Democrats. However, if approved, the new lines could inject Democratic voters into competitive districts in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California, notably affecting Rep. David Valadao‘s district.

As the political landscape in California continues to evolve, the outcome of this redistricting initiative will have lasting implications for both state and national politics, shaping the dynamics as the 2026 midterm elections approach.