California Democrats advance special election on redistricting

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) — California lawmakers on Monday swept aside procedural moves aimed at stopping Democrats from advancing a plan to redraw the state’s congressional maps.

The maps would favor Democrats and counter a Texas plan to give Republicans five more congressional seats in the 2026 midterms. Golden State Democrats place the blame at President Donald Trump’s feet, saying they’ll back off their effort if red states do the same.

On Monday, back from a month’s recess, Assembly Democrats blocked Republican attempts to delay three bills that call for a special November election, fund the election and include the new congressional maps voters will consider.

“Let’s call it what it is,” said Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, a Winters Democrat, at a press conference. “The president and his minions are trying to rig the 2026 election and beyond. They are trying to cheat.”

Lawmakers must get the bills to Governor Gavin Newsom by Friday to put the question on the November ballot. Newsom, a champion of the redistricting effort, is sure to sign them.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8 would put the issue before voters. Senate Bill 280 makes timelines and procedures, as well as allocates money for it. Assembly Bill 604 is the vehicle for the new maps.

Assembly Republicans tried a series of parliamentary maneuvers to sidetrack the legislation. Their challenges to the speaker pro tempore’s rulings failed in floor votes.

Republicans argued the Democratic-controlled Assembly couldn’t waive the number of days a bill must wait before action is taken on it and that a three-fourths’ vote was needed to refer them to committee.

“We are waiving rules required to give notice to the public,” said Assemblymember and Minority Leader James Gallagher, of Yuba City, who opposed the legislation.

Democrats hold a supermajority in both chambers, and the bills faced no real threats. They’re set to appear Tuesday before the elections committees of both houses, before proceeding Wednesday to an appropriations committee. A vote on passage is expected Thursday.

Lawmakers supportive of the special election reiterated arguments for it at a press conference before the Legislature convened Monday. They said they back the state’s independent redistricting commission but argued new maps are needed to counter a power grab by Trump and Republicans.

“Let’s be real — Texas started this clock,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said. “We’re moving with urgency because democracy itself is on the line.”

Democrats have argued that they must respond to Trump’s call for Texas to redraw its maps, as the president asked for another five Republican seats. However, while the Texas Legislature is choosing new district lines, California Democrats say they’re using a transparent process and putting the issue to the voters.

If the measure passes in November, it would put the new maps in play for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections. The citizens commission would return after the 2030 census.

California Republicans have roundly panned the redistricting effort and new maps.

Gallagher reacted to news on X that Audrey Denney would again run against U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican who represents a large swath of northeast California, if the new maps were passed. Denney has run against LaMalfa twice, with her last election against him in 2020.

Calling the Democratic Party corrupt, Gallagher said LaMalfa’s district was redrawn in favor of state Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire.

“Sad and shameful,” Gallagher said. “That’s why we shouldn’t let politicians draw their own lines. It’s not right in Texas, and it’s not right here.”