California to hold special November election to put redistricting plans before voters

Amid Texas’ redistricting effort, California Governor Gavin Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Friday that the state would be moving to hold a special election in November, placing a redistricting measure on the ballot.

Newsom said the move would counteract efforts done in Texas, and could see Democrats pick up five more seats in the state. The plan would also allow the state to bypass California’s independent redistricting commission temporarily and adopt a new congressional map ahead of elections being held in 2026, per Fox News. 

Newsome said at a Friday press conference, at which he was joined by California lawmakers as well as some Texas Democrats who fled their state to block a vote on their state’s new map: "We are talking about emergency measures to respond to what’s happening in Texas and we will nullify what happens in Texas."

"We’ll pick up five seats with the consent of the people. And that’s the difference between the approach we’re taking and the approach they’re taking. We’re doing it on a temporary basis. We’re doing it in a fully transparent way and we’re doing it by asking the people of the state of California for their consent and support," he continued.

While other states have said they are considering redistricting efforts, California would be the first Democrat-led state to actively begin the process. Newsom said that Democrats in the state have until August 22 to get the measure on the ballot.

Newsom criticized President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott during the press conference, saying, "Greg Abbott, who doesn't have the courage, doesn't have the backbone, doesn't have a conscience of the consequences of his actions... is dialing now for new seats." He added, "[Trump’s] agenda is failing. His presidency has failed. He knows the headwinds in a midterm. He's dialing for seats now."

Pelosi defended the Texas Democrats who fled the state in order to block the Texas House from having enough people to establish a quorum, the minimum number of people needed to conduct business, saying it is "self-defense for our democracy," and said that Democrats would not let Trump "pave over" free and fair elections.