California leaders say they will submit redistricting maps to voters, set Nov. 4 special election

California legislative leaders said they voted to advance two bills that would submit proposed congressional redistricting maps to California voters and establish a Nov. 4 special election, and Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will sign the measures.

The leaders described the package as a temporary response to recent redistricting actions in Texas and to statements they attributed to former President Donald Trump. "This bill is a temporary measure in response to an urgent threat," a legislator said during remarks. Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire said the package gives Californians "the opportunity to say no to Donald Trump's power grab, and to stand up for our people, for our state, and for our democracy." Governor Gavin Newsom said he is "eager to sign a bill that no other governor in U.S. history has ever signed" that will put maps before the voters.

Why it matters: Speakers framed the…