Legislature Set to Take Up California Redistricting Plan This Week, to Reduce California's 9 out of 52 Republican Congressman Even More

California Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing for a mid-decade redistricting plan to redraw the state's congressional maps, aiming to secure five additional Democratic seats in the U.S. House for the 2026 midterms. This move is a direct response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas, where lawmakers are attempting to add five GOP-favorable seats. Newsom's proposal involves a temporary shift from California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, established by voters in 2008, to allow the Democratic-dominated state legislature to draw new maps.

Our inside source says the plan to put a new, more gerrymandered map before voters, will pass through the California legislature like greased lightning. The plan would only take effect if Texas or other Republican-led states proceed with their redistricting, and it would apply for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 election cycles, with map-drawing authority returning to the commission post-2030.

The proposed maps, released by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on August 14, 2025, would reshape districts to favor Democrats, potentially reducing Republican-held seats from nine to four. For example, the 1st Congressional District, currently represented by Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, would shift from an 18-point GOP registration edge to a 10-point Democratic advantage by including parts of Democratic-leaning Sonoma County. Similar changes target districts held by Reps. Ken Calvert, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao, and Darrell Issa.[](https://www.newschannel5.com/politics/california-democrats-release-plan-to-boost-partys-us-house-seats-responding-to-texas-redistricting)

Newsom has called for a special election on November 4, 2025, to let voters decide on the new maps via a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. However, the plan faces significant hurdles. A POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey shows 64% of California voters prefer the independent commission, with only 36% supporting legislature-drawn maps, indicating potential voter resistance. Opposition includes former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who championed the commission, and Republican donor Charles Munger Jr., both vowing to campaign against the proposal. Legal challenges are also likely, with critics arguing the move violates the California Constitution and relies on outdated population data, potentially leading to litigation that could delay implementation.[](https://www.lassennews.com/newsoms-congressional-redistricting-drive-in-california-faces-political-and-legal-hurdles)[](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/14/california-redistricting-newsom-poll-00508930)[](https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/california/california-braces-contentious-fight-over-re-drawn-congressional-maps/103-c6f143a6-e6bf-4f9c-ab27-070476956bdd)

**Will the Legislature Vote This Week?**

Yes, the California Legislature is expected to vote on the redistricting plan this week. Lawmakers return from summer recess on Monday, August 18, 2025, and plan to immediately address the proposal. Hearings are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, August 19 and 20, to discuss a package of bills that would establish the new congressional map, declare the November 4 special election, and authorize funds to reimburse local governments for election costs. Democrats, holding supermajorities in both chambers, need a two-thirds vote to advance the measure, which Newsom claims is assured. However, the tight timeline-bills must be finalized by August 22 to meet the special election deadline-may require bypassing standard procedures, such as the 72-hour wait for amendments, as the legislature has done in the past.[](https://www.local10.com/news/national/2025/08/15/the-next-steps-in-california-democrats-plan-to-counter-texas-republicans-redistricting-push/)[](https://www.lakelandtoday.ca/politics/the-next-steps-in-california-democrats-plan-to-counter-texas-republicans-redistricting-push-11084570)

**Additional Context**

The plan has sparked controversy, with critics like Republican Assemblymember Kevin Kiley calling it a "shamelessly dishonest" power grab, noting that ballot language misleadingly claims to "retain" the independent commission. Posts on X reflect public sentiment, with users highlighting past voter support for nonpartisan redistricting in 2008 and 2010, suggesting Newsom's plan may face significant pushback. The outcome hinges on legislative approval this week and voter sentiment in November, amidst potential legal and political opposition.[](https://ivn.us/posts/california-legislative-council-refuses-provide-republican-member-legal-services-2025-08-14)

For the latest developments, monitor California legislative updates or news from here or the Associated Press, as the situation is evolving rapidly.