California’s 2021 Redistricting Battle: Newsom’s ‘Trigger’ Plan and Texas Showdown Recalled

In a significant political maneuver from 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom had proposed a controversial plan to redraw the state’s congressional district maps. This move, intended to counter a similar effort by Texas Republicans, aimed to place a mid-decade redistricting measure before voters on November 4 of that year.

Newsom’s strategy involved a ‘trigger’ mechanism: California voters would only consider the measure if Texas proceeded with its own plans to redraw congressional boundaries, which were projected to add five more Republican seats. The Governor emphasized the cause-and-effect nature of the proposal, stating, “It’s cause and effect, triggered on the basis of what occurs or doesn’t occur in Texas.”

The backdrop to this was a dramatic standoff in Texas, where Democratic lawmakers left the state on a Monday, July 2021, to deny Republicans the quorum necessary to pass new maps. This prompted Texas Republican lawmakers to vote to send state troopers to arrest them, a largely symbolic act. The broader implications of these dueling efforts between California and Texas were seen as potentially determining control of the House of Representatives after the 2026 midterm elections, with Democrats viewing it as a bulwark against then-President Trump’s actions in a hypothetical second term.

At the time, Democrats held 43 of California’s 52 congressional seats. Discussions suggested that new lines could fortify vulnerable Democratic incumbents and challenge Republican seats. However, official action in California was contingent on lawmakers returning from recess on August 18, 2021. Despite tight timelines, Democratic lawmakers and operatives expressed confidence in their ability to act quickly.

The proposal faced scrutiny, with internal polling showing tepid early support for temporarily altering state laws to allow the Legislature to draw new maps. California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas highlighted the urgency, framing it as a response to a “Trumpian power grab.” The cost of such a special election, estimated at around $200 million statewide, also raised concerns.

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a proponent of independent redistricting commissions, voiced strong opposition to both Texas and California’s efforts, stating, “two wrongs don’t make a right. He thinks gerrymandering is evil.”

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