California Democrats Unveil Legislation to Counter Texas Redistricting Scheme

By Jen Rice

Accompanied by California and Texas lawmakers, California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks in support of the Texas Democratic lawmakers for their walk out to block a vote on a congressional redistricting plan sought by President Donald Trump, during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Friday Aug. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) 

California lawmakers introduced legislation Monday to allow voters to decide whether they want to redraw the state’s congressional map. 

The move, which Democrats are calling the “Election Rigging Response Act,” offers a counter to Texas’ redistricting scheme, which could deliver five more GOP seats in Congress at President Donald Trump’s request.

“If Trump moves forward, California will be the firewall,” state Sen. Sabrina Cervantes (D) said Monday at a news conference unveiling the legislation. 

The measure would set a Nov. 4 special election for voters to weigh in on a proposed new congressional map, which would add five new Democratic seats. It would go into effect only if another state first redraws its own congressional map, as Texas looks set to do.

The map and related legislation are posted online. 

U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D) stressed that California will carry out its proposed response using a far more democratic plan than the process Texas Republicans are currently rushing through. 

“We believe in the voters and the people of this state, and we are going to put it to them to decide their own fate,” Lofgren said. “Do they want to continue to be abused by the Republicans in the House of Representatives, or do they want a change of course?”

If California voters approve the redistricting plan, the state’s independent redistricting commission won’t be eliminated. Rather, it will retain the authority to draw maps starting with the next redistricting cycle in 2031. 

California and Texas aren’t the only states taking action in what could become a redistricting war between red states and blue states. Several other states are considering redrawing their maps, including Florida, New York and Ohio.