Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom suggested the possibility of mid-decade redistricting in California as a response to similar efforts in Texas. This proposal has raised concerns among voting rights and redistricting experts, including Common Cause and Patricia Sinay from the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. They warn that such a move could threaten fair representation and the state’s Citizens Redistricting Commission.
“Point blank, this is a dangerous move,” stated Darius Kemp, executive director of California Common Cause. “We know independent redistricting works because California has been the national leader for years. We can’t afford to put our state’s democracy on the line during a time of national instability.”
There is no legal basis for the California legislature to redraw maps at this time, and conducting a special election would be both risky and costly. The last special election in 2021 to recall Governor Newsom cost taxpayers over $200 million.
The California Constitution grants exclusive authority to draw districts to an independent redistricting commission, which voters approved in 2008. This process removes map-drawing power from politicians with vested interests, resulting in maps that reflect local community needs. Notably, the 2020 process concluded without any lawsuits — an uncommon outcome for such procedures.
“There is no way to do a rushed redistricting process, either in California or Texas, that honors the people and our communities,” said Russia Chavis Cardenas, deputy director of California Common Cause. “Redistricting requires outreach, education, and public input, which takes time. Any attempt to pick up partisan seats undermines our democracy and weakens the political power of the people.”
Studies indicate that independent redistricting commissions are effective in creating district maps that serve communities well. Returning map-drawing power to incumbent legislators could lead to political manipulation and hinder communities’ ability to secure necessary resources once this period ends.
“The very purpose of the state’s independent redistricting commission is to protect voters from partisan power grabs like this,” commented Patricia Sinay from the California Citizen Redistricting Commission. “If this were to succeed, it would set a dangerous precedent for suppressing voters across the nation — an especially dangerous tactic during a crucial moment for our country’s democracy.”
