Gavin Newsom

The stakes for the November special election to gerrymander California are enormous.

Democrats are searching for a leader to take on President Trump. Gov. Gavin Newsom embraced that role with new online trolling and a proposed gerrymander to counter a GOP power play in Texas.

Many California Democrats are reluctant to give up the state's independently drawn congressional districts, but they say it's a necessary step to counter gerrymanders in Republican states.

Texas and President Donald Trump struck first in a gerrymandering battle that could tilt the 2026 midterms. That puts California Republicans in a bind as they contest Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting.

California voters backed independent redistricting for congressional seats and giving it up to counter President Trump creates a moral conflict even for Democrats.

Conservative opponents dominated the public comment at legislative hearings on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s congressional redistricting plan, though most were at the Capitol for an unrelated rally.

California Democrats used a common legislative tactic called "gut and amend" to rush legislation for a special election on new election maps. Republicans say that violates the state constitution.

California counties are scrambling to prepare for Gov. Gavin Newsom's special election on redrawing congressional districts for the 2026 midterm. The effort will cost tens of millions of dollars.

Newsom’s three-bill package is almost certain to pass, placing the gerrymander on a Nov. 4 special election ballot. Since no one can predict how all of this will turn out, the situation invites exploring potential scenarios.

California has an overwhelmingly Democratic delegation in Congress. Gov. Newsom’s plan could give his party five more seats and offset a Texas gerrymander.