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California Democrats are privately preparing to respond to Texas Republicans’ proposed new congressional districts, which would effectively take out five elected House Democrats.
Under the direction of Gov. Gavin Newsom, state leaders are exploring ways to « fight back » as President Donald Trump and Texas try to bolster the number of safe Republican seats in the U.S. House.
RELATED: Newsom calls GOP’s push to redraw TX congressional maps an ‘existential crisis to democracy’
Multiple legislative sources familiar with the matter tell ABC7 News that state lawmakers are working on new congressional maps that are « almost ready », as an attempt to offset any action taken by Texas. Newsom told reporters at an unrelated press conference Monday that any legislation California passes would only be triggered by action in Texas.
« Things have changed. We’re reacting to that change », he said. « We’re working with the legislature on a trigger that if they do move forward, California will not sit by idly and watch this democracy waste away. We’ll fight fire with fire. »
Unlike Texas – where state lawmakers are responsible for redrawing district lines – California has an independent redistricting commission, designed to remove partisanship from the reapportionment. Voters first signed off on the commission through a 2008 statewide proposition that amended the California Constitution.
