California lawmakers aim to release draft congressional maps on Friday that would give Democrats an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections.
A spokesperson for California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas confirmed the news to KTLA 5 News.
The move comes as Texas Republicans advance their own redistricting plans favoring the GOP.
“DONALD ‘TACO’ TRUMP, AS MANY CALL HIM, ‘MISSED’ THE DEADLINE!!! CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE ‘BEAUTIFUL MAPS.’ THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!),” Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X. The post was written in a style that mimics President Donald Trump’s posts.
Newsom and other Democratic leaders said the maps will be put before voters in a special election on Nov. 4.
Under state law, congressional and legislative boundaries are drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, an independent body that uses U.S. Census data.
Lawmakers’ proposal would temporarily shift that authority to the Legislature if approved by voters — applying to the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections only if Texas or another state redistricts during the decade.
After 2030, authority would return to the independent commission.
However, not everyone is on board with this plan.
Opponents, including the League of Women Voters, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Republican state lawmakers, have criticized this plan for being an example of gerrymandering.
Philanthropist Charles Munger Jr. and the Protect Voters First campaign have already launched a website to counter the effort.