California Governor Gavin Newsom has ignited a contentious debate over election integrity and redistricting, publicly stating his intent to explore options for California to redraw its congressional districts in response to perceived partisan gerrymandering efforts in Texas. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism, including accusations that he is announcing an intention to "rig" elections.
The controversy stems from Newsom's strong reaction to Texas's move to conduct a mid-decade redistricting, which he and other Democrats view as an attempt to secure additional Republican-leaning congressional seats. "If these guys are literally going to rig, de facto, the outcome of November next year, I can't just sit back passively," Newsom said in a recent podcast, indicating a willingness to "fight fire with fire." He has met with Texas state legislators and expressed that if Texas proceeds, California "will be ready to fight back in the courts, in the legislature, and at the ballot box."
Newsom's proposals face significant hurdles in California, where voters approved an independent redistricting commission in 2008 and 2010, stripping the power to draw congressional maps from the state legislature. Experts like Dan Vicuña of Common Cause have stated that Newsom's ideas for circumventing the commission, such as calling a quick voter referendum or having the legislature enact new maps, are "not lawful in any way." The state's constitution mandates redistricting only once every 10 years unless there's a legal problem with existing maps.
The Governor's stance has been met with varied reactions. While some Democrats, including Representative Ted Lieu, have supported his aggressive approach, others within California, like Assemblymember Alex Lee, warn that "by legitimizing the race to the bottom of gerrymandering, Democrats will ultimately lose." Critics argue that Newsom's actions risk "violating his oath" by attempting to undermine the voter-approved independent commission.
The accusation that Newsom is announcing an intention to "rig" elections, as voiced by Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD, on social media, reflects the high-stakes nature of the redistricting debate. Hemmati, a physician and political commentator, suggested that Newsom's "video and all your tweets will sink your efforts in court." While Newsom has used strong language to describe Texas's actions, his public statements regarding California's response focus on countering partisan moves and exploring legal avenues, rather than an explicit admission of rigging California's electoral process. The legal and political battle over redistricting is expected to intensify as states grapple with the implications for future elections.