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California may potentially reduce 5 seats in the US House of Representatives held by Republicans, in response to Texas' action to augment the Republican majority.

Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is advocating for party-based redistricting concurrently, while expressing his reluctance to progress if Texas halts its own efforts in this field.

California may potentially reduce five Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives,...
California may potentially reduce five Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, responding to Texas' strategy to boost Republican representation.

California may potentially reduce 5 seats in the US House of Representatives held by Republicans, in response to Texas' action to augment the Republican majority.

California Aims to Counter Republican Gerrymandering with New Political Maps

California is taking a strategic approach to counter Republican gerrymandering efforts, aiming to expand Democratic representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing for a ballot measure and a potential special election in November 2025 to approve revised congressional maps.

The proposed redistricting could increase Democratic House seats in California while decreasing Republican representation, potentially leaving Republicans with only four of California’s 52 seats. This move comes in direct response to efforts by Texas Republicans to redraw House districts in order to strengthen the GOP hold on the chamber in 2026.

Newsom announced plans for a special election in the first week of November, stating, "California will not sit by idly and watch this democracy waste away." The new maps, if approved, could increase the number of Democratic-held House seats in California from 43 to 48 out of 52.

The proposal aims to generously pad Democratic margins in competitive districts anchored in Orange County, San Diego County, and the Central Valley farm belt. It would also boost the party's edge in districts held by Democratic Reps. Dave Min, Mike Levin, and Derek Tran, strengthening their hold on the seats.

On the other hand, the proposal would shift voting patterns in districts currently held by Republican Reps. Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao, and Doug LaMalfa, making it likely that left-leaning candidates would prevail in each race.

The new maps, if approved, could potentially impact the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. However, the proposal would need approval from lawmakers and voters, who may be skeptical due to previously handing redistricting power to an independent commission.

The Associated Press reports that the new maps, if approved, could create up to five new districts favorable to Democrats and reduce Republican seats in the state. This could shift the balance of power in the House more toward Democrats nationally.

The statement was made by Newsom on Monday. The new map has been briefed to Democratic members of California's congressional delegation. The report was copyrighted in 2025 by The Associated Press.

California Democrats are considering new political maps that could potentially reduce the number of Republican-held House seats in the state. The special election will allow voters to weigh in on a new congressional map drawn by the Democratic-controlled Legislature. However, Newsom has stated that he will not move forward with the proposal if Texas pauses its efforts.

This initiative is part of a wider political response to Republican efforts, led by figures like Donald Trump and Texas Republicans, who are accused of rigging maps to entrench their power before the 2026 elections. California leaders emphasize defending electoral integrity and the Constitution against this perceived manipulation.

Tran Nguyen and Joey Cappelletti contributed to the report. All rights reserved for the report by The Associated Press.

Policy-and-legislation discussions in California revolve around a potential ballot measure and special election in November 2025, aiming to approve revised congressional maps aimed at bolstering Democratic representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The politics surrounding this issue are inherently tied to the ongoing efforts to counter Republican gerrymandering, as depicted in the general news regarding Texas Republicans redrawing House districts to increase their control over the chamber.

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