California Democrats Unveil Aggressive Redistricting Plan, Targeting 5 GOP House Seats Amid Texas Battle

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Democrats are actively advancing a bold new political map that could significantly reshape the state’s congressional delegation, potentially slashing five Republican-held U.S. House seats and strengthening Democratic incumbents in key battleground districts.

This strategic move is a direct response to recent efforts by Texas Republicans to redraw House districts to bolster their party’s hold on the chamber ahead of the 2026 elections. A draft plan, currently circulating, aims to expand the Democratic margin from the current 43 seats to an impressive 48 out of California’s 52 congressional seats. The proposal would also generously pad Democratic advantages in competitive districts across Orange County, San Diego County, and the Central Valley.

Under the proposed new lines, districts presently held by Republican Representatives Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao, and Doug LaMalfa would see their voter demographics shifted to favor left-leaning candidates. Simultaneously, the plan seeks to fortify the positions of Democratic Representatives Dave Min, Mike Levin, and Derek Tran.

Democratic members of California’s congressional delegation were briefed on the new map this past Monday. The proposal aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent declaration of intent to pursue partisan redistricting, a move he states he will halt only if Texas ceases its own efforts. Newsom has indicated he would call a special election for the first week of November, allowing voters to weigh in on the new congressional map drawn by the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

“California will not sit by idly and watch this democracy waste away,” Governor Newsom stated on Monday, underscoring the urgency and high stakes of the proposed redistricting.

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