Redistricting Battle: California vs. Texas

California's legislature has approved a redistricting plan to gain five additional Democratic seats in Congress, countering Texas's Republican-led efforts to redraw political maps. Governor Gavin Newsom's initiative represents a significant challenge to similar strategies by President Trump's allies in Texas. The fight highlights intense political maneuvering ahead of the 2026 midterm races.

In a bold move, California's legislature swiftly passed a redistricting scheme on Thursday, designed to secure five extra congressional seats for Democrats. This action positions the state in direct opposition to Republican maneuvers in Texas spearheaded by allies of former President Donald Trump.

Governor Gavin Newsom, enjoying overwhelming Democratic support in both legislative houses, has championed this effort as a check against extreme partisan redistricting by Republicans. This legislation is seen as an emergency response to counterbalance perceived Republican overreach.

The measure, however, departs from the traditional bipartisan redistricting approach. Newsom emphasized its necessity to combat what Democrats label a 'power grab' in Texas, where a controversial redistricting plan is set to advance without voter input, drawing fierce opposition from civil rights advocates.

(With inputs from agencies.)