California plans to move forward with drawing new congressional maps, with Gov. Gavin Newsom saying the effort could shift the political balance in Washington. In a Sacramento news conference, Newsom appeared alongside California and Texas lawmakers as he touted the redistricting push and its potential to give Democrats greater influence in the U.S. House.
Newsom also posted a social media message in an over-the-top, all-caps style he attributed to President Donald Trump, claiming that California’s new maps would “end the Trump presidency” and help Democrats take back control of the House. The post echoed a broader dispute over redistricting as Texas Republicans redraw congressional lines in a bid to advantage their party.
The backdrop is a widening clash over how maps should be drawn. Texas Republicans have proposed maps seen as favorable to their party, prompting responses from blue states. Newsom has floated cutting five Republican-held seats in California as a countermeasure, a move that would intensify the national redistricting fight.
California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas’ office said the state legislature aims to release draft maps on Friday, though Newsom did not spell out the route for approving them. Earlier, Newsom suggested he might pursue placing maps on the ballot in a November special election. He also indicated he would participate in a press conference this week with other prominent Democrats, though details were not provided.
Newsom lettered a request to President Trump to urge Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other Republican governors to abandon the redistricting drive, a move connected to Texas Democrats’ boycott and walkout from the statehouse.
In Texas, the House of Representatives again did not reach a quorum. House Speaker Dustin Burrows said lawmakers will reconvene Friday, and if a quorum is not reached, Gov. Greg Abbott could adjourn the current session and call a second special session immediately.
What this means
– The fight over redistricting is playing out across states, with potential implications for control of the U.S. House in next year’s elections.
– Texas’ map proposal could net Republicans a handful of seats, which could matter for maintaining a narrow House majority.
– California’s map-drawing effort could set up a high-stakes November process, including potential ballot measures if the plan advances that far.
Summary
California is moving ahead with new congressional maps amid a partisan clash with Texas over redistricting. Newsom frames the effort as a path to changing House control, while Texas Republicans press forward with their own map proposals. Draft maps in California are expected Friday, and Texas lawmakers face ongoing quorum challenges as they navigate a potential second special session.
Possible positive angle
– If the redistricting process leads to more competitive districts and clearer representation, it could encourage voter engagement and help align districts with current population shifts. However, outcomes remain uncertain and will depend on legal reviews, legislative action, and potential court challenges.
Additional notes
– Expect ongoing coverage of map proposals, court reviews, and potential ballot measures in both states as deadlines and quorum issues continue to shape the process.
– The broader takeaway is that redistricting remains a high-stakes, nationally watched process with real implications for party control in the House.