Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Redistricting Trigger topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Newsom says California may trigger mid-decade congressional redistricting if Texas moves forward
Summary
Governor Gavin Newsom described a proposed trigger that would allow California to redraw congressional maps mid-decade if Texas advances plans Newsom and others view as undermining democratic rules; he said the measure would be set by the legislature, require a supermajority and — if enacted — placed before voters on the November ballot.
Governor Gavin Newsom said California is preparing a legislative proposal that would allow the state to redraw congressional maps mid-decade if Texas moves to dismantle protocols the governor and allies say undermine federalism and democratic norms.
Newsom described the measure as a “trigger” that would only take effect if Texas takes certain unspecified actions. He said the proposal would be limited to congressional maps in 2026, 2028 and 2030 and would keep in place the state’s independent redistricting commission while adding a contingency response if other states change their rules.
“It's the spirit of the special session,” Newsom said at the Department of Justice press conference. “The proposal that we're advancing with the legislature has a trigger only if they move forward, to, dismantling a the protocols that are well established, would the state of California move forward, in kind, fighting yes, fire with fire.”
Newsom said the effort would require concurrence from two-thirds of the state legislature and that the language is being negotiated within caucuses. He told reporters the ultimate test of transparency will be voters’ review of the measure in the ballot pamphlet and that the state follows rules such as the 72-hour notice requirement for legislative materials.
When asked whether the drafting process had included closed-door meetings, Newsom said last-night and continuing conversations had occurred among legislative staff and members and that maps and language “should be provided in a transparent way to the public.” He said he had not seen draft maps himself and that the ultimate determination would be made by California voters.
Newsom framed the proposal as part of a broader strategy to push back against what he described as efforts by the federal administration and some other states to “change the rules” when they cannot win under existing rules. He said he had support from legislative leaders and that the administration is coordinating with members of the congressional delegation and other governors who share similar concerns.
The governor said the legislature and governor’s office are working to time the measure so it can appear on the Nov. 4 ballot alongside some municipal elections in the state, and reiterated the petition that the proposal is a response only to actions taken by other states. Newsom emphasized that the proposal would preserve the independent redistricting framework he supports while adding a conditional mechanism aimed at neutralizing what he called “existential” threats to democratic practice.
Reporters pressed Newsom about how the state would guarantee transparency given the short timeline and prior closed meetings; Newsom cited the ballot pamphlet and the public legislative process as the primary transparency safeguards and said language is being worked out by the caucuses and legislative leaders.
