A new poll showed widespread support for the state’s independent redistricting commission, which could temporarily take a back seat.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was dealt a polling blow amid his redistricting war with Republicans after a survey found a majority of California voters support the state’s independent commission rather than allowing lawmakers to draw congressional boundaries.
Newsom’s office responded to that poll in a post to X, formerly Twitter, writing, „You mean the poll that tested what we are NOT doing (getting rid of the commission!)?? Do not be fooled by so called ‚experts‘ who don’t even ask the right questions! There is STRONG support!“
A Newsom spokesperson pointed to that post when reached for comment by Newsweek Thursday afternoon.Why It Matters
Newsom on Thursday urged California lawmakers to approve a ballot measure that would allow them to engage in mid-decade redistricting—but not reverse the state’s independent redistricting commission—in an effort to retaliate against Republicans in a redistricting „arms race.“ Newsom said the measure would be temporary, with the commission resuming authority to redraw the state’s maps in the 2030 redistricting cycle.
Texas, with the support of President Donald Trump, is working to complete mid-decade redistricting as GOP lawmakers plan to eliminate up to five Democratic-held seats in the House of Representatives and thwart party gains in the midterms.
Other Republican states like Missouri and Florida have followed and are now considering redraws of their own.
