₦airaland Forum

California's Democratic governor has unveiled a high-stakes plan to redraw voting lines in America's most populous state, in order to counter similar efforts by Republicans in Texas.

Gavin Newsom called for a special election to be held in November, in which voters would be asked to approve lawmakers redrawing congressional districts before national midterms in 2026.

He billed the move as an emergency measure in response to a Donald Trump-backed plan in Texas, which could see the Republicans pick up five more seats in the finely-balanced House.

It is the latest development in a gerrymandering fight that runs the risk of setting off a political arms race for control of the US Congress.

The governor - whose term in office ends next year and is rumoured to have presidential ambitions - said it would neutralise an attempt by Trump and other Republicans to "rig the system".

"We're working through a very transparent, temporary and public process," Newsom said.

"We're putting the maps on the ballot and we're giving the power to the people."

He continued: "We have got to recognise the cards that we have been dealt and we have got to meet fire with fire."

Newsom's proposal would see California retain its current congressional maps if Texas and other states pulled out of any changes.

The tit-for-tat move seeks to cancel out projected gains by Republicans in Texas if the state approves a redistricting effort sought by Trump and the state's governor Greg Abbott.

Republicans in Texas have so far been blocked from approving new maps, as Democratic lawmakers have physically left the state, denying its legislative body the two-thirds attendance it needs to proceed with a vote.

Abbott has threatened to arrest the Democrats, who are staying in Illinois, and said he would call continuous special sessions of the state's legislature until the proposal passes.

Thunderfayamods:
Best governor my foot! One of the worst governors we had in California under him California economy turned upside down. You think say governance na by celebrity?

God1000:
Nice move from the governor of California, trump is turning USA into dictatorship

God1000:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4e33w6446o.amp

DEROX:
Democrats can never come back to the white house, the regan legacy lives on

Zouzer:
Trump killed the "Reagan legacy". Lol.

Maga would fade away, very likely, after Trump's done with his presidency. And after that, Republicans would have a hard time uniting the party. It's even happening already, low-key with the Tea party-ish , Maga and moderate wings of the party.

Trump's a maverick. No one has been able to and can never replicate him. He's a once in a lifetime politician

DEROX:
Native Americans and red indies have a deep hatred for Democrats let's wait and see

Zouzer:
Well, they were, rightfully, saying the same for Latinos. But in recent months, the tide has been moving in a different direction

IBB007:
Lol…see the kind dirty politics dem dey play for yankee

Wealthoptulent:
ARNOLD was ther best GOVERNOR, a A CELEB one anyways

God1000:
Nice move from the governor of California, trump is turning USA into dictatorship

Goke7:
Nigeria is still a saint compared to the poltics going on in the US right now

PulaPower:
This governor also exposed trump that he’s planning 3rd term and he’s not joking about it..

Have you been following the massive protest going on in USA against trump?

Have you noticed nairaland is yet to post any of the news regarding it?

Is that fair?

aseyi24:
And you think Trump will agree to your team’s.. I pray so hoo .. he may end up sending FBI..

PulaPower:
Gavin Newsom called for a special election to be held in November, in which voters would be asked to approve lawmakers redrawing congressional districts before national midterms in 2026.

There has been lots of protest going on in USA against trump! It’s been all over social media, nah only nairaland never post the news - Seun, why?

PulaPower:
This governor also exposed trump that he’s planning 3rd term and he’s not joking about it..

Have you been following the massive protest going on in USA against trump?

Have you noticed nairaland is yet to post any of the news regarding it?

Is that fair?

Unbiased1:
Lol. Those silly protests taking place in Democrat controlled states. When protests start in Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania, then I'll take you seriously.

omoredia:
These satanic democrats must never be allowed close to tbe white house. All their legacies must be erased