As hearings began Tuesday in California’s efforts to redistrict, California Republicans filed suit asking the state Supreme Court to put a stop to it all.
Part of the California Republicans’ complaint is that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan is unconstitutional because it doesn’t give 30 days for public review.
“Instead of a months-long transparent and participatory process overseen by an independent citizens redistricting commission for such a sensitive matter, the public would be presented instead with an up or down vote on maps unilaterally prepared in secret by the Legislature,” the lawsuit says.
California’s push to redistrict is a response to redistricting efforts in Texas, where it is intended to turn five congressional seats Republican. It’s a move President Trump asked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to do.
California Republicans were asked if they would take a stand against the president too.
“You think I have more power than I do, but yes I will tell Donald Trump that I think it’s better to go across the nation for a citizens redistricting solution,” said California state Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach).
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego) added: “No redistricting should be happening at the hands of politicians in any state; California voters got it right in 2010, and we should not be abandoning this transparent and participatory process.”
Shortly after, the state Senate hearing on elections and constituational amendments went into session. The chairperson reiterated that California voters will have the opportunity to see the maps and vote on them in November.
“Unlike Gov. Abbott, California won’t bend the knee to authoritarian demands. We will not allow red states to strip seats in Congress, and we will not stand by silent while the communities we represent are robbed of their voices,” said state Sen. Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside). “Let me be clear: California is not acting unilaterally. This legislative package is a response, a safeguard.”
The California Assembly also convened its elections committee to discuss the issue. The chairperson echoed the sentiment that California’s changes will go into effect only if other states quote “rig the election” and that the California’s independent retains its authority to draw districts after the next election.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed map is likely to affect five Republican seats
Current legislative districts
Proposed legislative districts
Kris Sanchez
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