California’s Redistricting Battle: Rally Against Newsom’s Plan
Newsom’s plan subverts the democratic process
By Richie Greenberg, August 16, 2025 10:31 am
Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal for a special election in November 2025 to redraw California’s congressional districts has quickly ignited fierce opposition from conservative leaders, reform advocates, and nonpartisan groups. His plan, which bypasses the state’s independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, is viewed as a partisan maneuver to secure Democratic control of competitive congressional seats. It violates constitutional mandates and undermines voter-approved reforms.
A coalition of prominent figures and organizations is mobilizing through legal challenges, legislative efforts, and public advocacy to halt what they see as an assault on electoral integrity and democracy.
Steve Hilton, Republican gubernatorial candidate for 2026, leads the charge with plans to file lawsuits at state and federal levels. He contends that Newsom’s initiative violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. and California constitutions by manipulating district lines for political gain. Hilton argues that the plan subverts the democratic process, citing Article XXI of the California Constitution, which assigns redistricting authority to the independent commission. His legal strategy focuses on challenging the special election’s legitimacy, emphasizing its potential to erode fair representation.
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, representing San Diego, has also taken a firm stand. He has requested a legal opinion from the Legislative Counsel to determine whether Newsom’s plan contravenes the state constitution’s redistricting framework. DeMaio labels the effort “illegitimate” and has vowed to boycott any redistricting process controlled by the legislature, arguing it defies the voter-approved commission model. His actions reflect concerns that the plan prioritizes partisan advantage over democratic principles.
Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a key architect of California’s redistricting reforms, adds significant weight to the opposition. Schwarzenegger championed Proposition 11 in 2008, which established the Citizens Redistricting Commission to remove partisan influence from map-drawing. His spokesperson has affirmed his commitment to defending these reforms, signaling support for legal challenges to Newsom’s plan. Schwarzenegger’s involvement underscores the bipartisan appeal of preserving independent redistricting, aligning with conservative arguments against gerrymandering.
Charles Munger Jr., who invested $12.4 million to pass Proposition 20 in 2010, strengthening the commission’s authority, is another pivotal figure. Munger has pledged to “vigorously defend” these reforms, leveraging his financial resources to back legal efforts. His role highlights the opposition’s capacity to mount a robust defense, reinforcing conservative claims that Newsom’s plan betrays voter intent.
Congressman Kevin Kiley, representing Northern California, has escalated the fight to the federal level. Kiley introduced legislation to ban mid-cycle redistricting nationwide, targeting Newsom’s plan and similar efforts in states like Texas. He argues that such maneuvers threaten electoral integrity and has urged House leadership to prioritize his bill. Kiley’s proposal reflects fears that Newsom’s initiative is part of a broader Democratic strategy to manipulate congressional outcomes.
The League of Women Voters of California has joined the opposition, arguing that the plan undermines democratic reforms. Its stance strengthens the coalition by highlighting the nonpartisan value of independent redistricting, aligning with critiques of partisan overreach. This diverse alliance underscores the widespread concern over Newsom’s proposal.
The legal arguments against the plan center on Article XXI of the California Constitution, which mandates that redistricting occur once per decade under the commission’s purview. Critics cite the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling in Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, which upheld the legality of independent commissions, as a potential basis for challenging Newsom’s plan in court.
Politically, Newsom’s plan is seen as an attempt to flip competitive congressional districts, particularly in areas like the Central Valley, where Republicans hold narrow majorities. The special election, estimated to cost $100 million (check this, It may be higher), is criticized as a wasteful expenditure that burdens taxpayers for partisan gain. We argue that this cost, combined with the plan’s legal vulnerabilities, exposes its true aim: securing Democratic control of the U.S. House in 2026.
The historical context of California’s redistricting reforms is critical. Proposition 11, passed in 2008, and Proposition 20, passed in 2010, shifted redistricting from the legislature to the commission, a response to decades of partisan gerrymandering. Schwarzenegger and Munger’s efforts were instrumental in these reforms, which were designed to ensure fairness and transparency. Newsom’s plan threatens to unravel this progress, returning California to an era of politically motivated map-drawing.
The opposition’s coalition is notable for its diversity, bridging conservative leaders with reform advocates. Hilton and DeMaio bring grassroots energy, while Schwarzenegger and Munger provide institutional credibility and resources. Kiley’s federal legislation adds a national dimension, framing the fight as a defense of democratic norms. The League of Women Voters’ involvement broadens the coalition’s appeal, emphasizing that Newsom’s plan offends not just conservatives but anyonecommitted to fair elections.
The fiscal implications of the special election further fuel outrage. At $100 million, the cost is an unjustifiable expense, especially when the commission’s existing maps, drawn in 2021, remain valid until the next decennial cycle.
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Did I miss something? Where’s the CA Republican Party?
Good question! Late to the party as usual.
CAGOP’s RINO leadership probably helped their Democrat cronies with redistricting to ensure that Republicans have even less representation than they do now?
It’s becoming increasingly clear that CAGOP’s new Chairwoman Corrin Raskin, Vice Chair John Park, Secretary Sayrs Morris are all establishment RINOs who were installed to thwart the MAGA/MAHA agenda?
Out fundraising….
Jessica Millan Patterson needs new centerpieces at their next meeting, much like her mentor, and fellow three-named “girl boss” Ronna Romney McDaniel.
In a spirit of busybody bilateralism, they’re fixing to fix the HSR.
Swift legal action is needed.
Newsom is not just a political animal, he is a monster!
He has no regard for the US Constitution, the California Constitution or the people of California.
He is power hungry and his appetite has no satiety.
This action he has taken is just abhorrent and wrong!
The proposal does not “amend” the State Caonsitution. It subverts. The Constitution rejects a partisan gerrymander as being improper, but the proposal demands it. It punsihes those citizens who failed to elect a Democrat to Congress by ripping up their districts, while those who elected a Democrat are kept intact. Keeping in mind that the Preamble of the Constituion expresses gratidude to almighty God for our Freedom, reference to a prophet may be in order: Isaiah 5:20-21 — “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
Newsom has 5 days to get this passed by Assembly and State Senate. If Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate pro Tem Mike McGuire get 5 million phone calls on Monday warning them how unpopular this plan is, they might think twice about sacrificing THEIR political futures for Newsom’s presidential ambitions.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas
Ph 916-319-2029
Leader of the Senate: Senator pro tem Mike McGuire
(916) 651-4002
Good plan —– YES, ring these guys’ phones off the hook ASAP.
Blah blah blah blah blah.
The United States of America is at war.
To put it bluntly, Trump is a dictator who cares nothing for democracy.
Redistricting California is the least we can do to fight back against fascism.
If you think this view is ‘extreme’ then you are part of the problem.
So you want to fight your delusional perceived ‘fascism’ with even more radical fascism?
You people are absolutely nuts and and the actual real danger to democracy.
Your party is sinking like the Titantic and you’re willing to grab hold of the ship’s anchor to keep from drowning.
It is an insult to the people who are getting their medi-cal cut (disabled children and nursing home patients) when the government wants to use state money to pay for undocumented (illegal) resident care for all. I can see getting at least children taken care of since no one really wants to deny education to them.
No worries, not ‘extreme’ at all.
Just the sort of blah, blah, blah, blah, blah which earns a summer school student that extra credit carrot, to acheive a passing grade in whatever science.
“Fascism (D)”is cutting back on government jobs, government employee unions, government paychecks, perks and pensions. Fascism (D) is also growing red ink, in this blue state . Democrats yet again picked an 80:20 hill to die on. No wonder Democrat voter registration numbers are in the toilet.
Robert!!!
Please!!!
Use the correct and APPROPRIATE Democrat terminology!!!
It’s “OUR Democracy (TM)”….
And YOU, my friend, are the REAL problem… you are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome or TDS(TM), a common psychological problem experienced by caring, compassionate, emotion-driven Democrats everywhere…
Maybe learn what fascism really is, too?
What exactly is ‘TDS’? I mean, by a lot of objective standards, Donald Trump is a pretty awful person. He mocks disabled people, race baits, lies constantly, abuses women, has been convicted of felonies, befriends pedofiles, etc. etc. – many of which happened well before he ran for office. Would YOU hang out at Mar-A-Lago? No – it’s a grotesquerie and you know it. So the ‘derangement’ part is that normal folks, regardless of party affiliation, don’t overlook these ‘minor’ (as in groping under 18 year olds) faults because he is such a great leader, which he obviously is not? Isn’t a much simpler, more reasonable conclusion (see Occam’s razor) that Trump supporters are the (temporarily, we hope) deranged ones? Let’s settle on ‘unhinged’ – that’s a bit kinder sounding. Reality Unhingement Tendencies – MAGA is in a RUT.
Back to redistricting. I could not care less what Republicans think about this plan (or anything else) as long as they continue to support a fascist cretin like Trump. Get rid of him and his ilk and the creepy ICE gestapo, and then you have a (slim) chance to regain some sliver of credibility. Honestly, you folks are weird.
TDS is “Trump Derangement Syndrome”…
I’m actually going to agree with you about “Trump is a pretty awful person”, but please show me a Democrat who’s ALSO “a pretty awful person” – I’m mature enough to separate the POLICIES from the PERSONALITY, and Trump’s policies are much more agreeable than he might be personally, but I don’t know the man personally, only the persona that he projects in public….
Would I want to hang out with him for dinner? Probably not – do I want him crafting legislation to benefit United States citizens – yep….
I could care less about Mar-A-Lago, nor could I care less about any politician’s personal abode (except Newsom’s as there is strong evidence that his was purchased with grift money that should have gone elsewhere)
And the “creepy ICE gestapo” that you mentioned is only necessary because “Joe Biden” threw the borders wide open for four years and invited a bunch of international lawbreakers into the country without properly vetting them…
If law & order and an orderly society makes us “weird” then you’re entitled to that label….
“Joe Biden” threw the borders wide open for four years and invited a bunch of international lawbreakers into the country without properly vetting them…
Well, “Convicted murderer released by Trump from Venezuelan prison is free in U.S.”
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/convicted-murderer-released-by-trump-from-venezuelan-prison-is-free-in-u-s/
LOL. Get out of your TDS bubble, since you keep trotting out really tired old tropes. Evan back to circa 2015. Stone age. You are missing the winning Trump is bringing to this country, and now to the world. History is being made by this wonderful change in administration, and you are still in the corner sucking your thumb.
“LOL. Get out of your TDS bubble, since you keep trotting out really tired old tropes. Evan back to circa 2015. Stone age. You are missing the winning Trump is bringing to this country, and now to the world. History is being made by this wonderful change in administration, and you are still in the corner sucking your thumb.”
You’re the one in the maga newsmax/fox/bs bubble, dude. They love the poorly educated, so they say.
But yes, history is being made – America has a convicted felon acting as a cheap dictator. That’s real news, and it will not stand. Good, honest people who love what this country stands for, which includes diversity, equity, and inclusion, will drive out the corrupt Trump regime and his clown cabinet, who will crawl back in the gutter they came from. Let us pray that it happens soon.
Let the Democrats waste resources on this. They will have to raise at least $100 million to get it passed, probably more. The Republicans should let them out spend them ten to one. Then tie it up in court if it passes. Use the waste of funds for the special elections against all the Democrats who voted for it in the 2026 elections.
YES. I love it. This is the way.
Thank you, John Dibble.
What are the odds, sounds like gamble worth a try, before all Hell breaks loose. Which is the two-for unhappy east coast (d) party bosses.
“California Freedom”
https://x.com/miguelifornia/status/1933653716177203328
Democrats complain about Texas redistricting. What about the Democrats who have done this?
MA: 36% Republican, zero seats
CT: 42% Republican, zero seats
ME: 46% Republican, zero seats
NM: 46% Republican, zero seats
NH: 48% Republican, zero seats
RI: 42% Republican, zero seats
VT: 32% Republican, zero seats
HI: 38% Republican, zero seats
DE: 42% Republican, zero seats
Great stuff —- thank you Protect Freedom.
…oh-NO! lips-a-trembling…
(((NOT THE LEAGUE!)))
In my town the League of Women Voters is an organization that has hard leftists as members. I saw them gather and talk and plot with my own eyes. Are they not leftist in other parts of CA? Seems to me most people think they are sensible and benign. Not from what I saw
^
Ha, exactly! They can claim anything they want such as non partisan. In my area they are totally far left, pretty sure they are the one’s that attend and cheer on Eric Fartswell at his Town Halls. 😂
As for Robert and his TDS, it looks like he gobbled up, swallowed and then regurgitated the MSNBC talking points. Rachel Maddow would be so proud! Robert how about we simplify what you are trying to convey, “Orange Man, Bad”🍊
*ones
Thanks for verifying that about the League of Women Voters in your area, Cali Girl.
Cheering on (in an unenergetic way) goofballs like Mr. Eric (and worse) is their specialty.
“Orange Man Bad” takes less time and energy to write and to read so I’m for it. Robert might be a troll? He has his totally debunked Trump talking points down so pat he sounded like one of Gavin’s Flying Monkeys. (they/them)
Happy to confirm! I was asked to help years ago at an event by an acquaintance, the woman who did not know my political views was far left leaning she made her views very well known. I politely declined.
Concerning our new “friend” here, he gave himself away with those debunked talking points. Like we have not heard those before😂 Just cut to the chase buddy, blah, blah, blah😂
No kidding, ha ha
Another irony to add:
Among them are spouses that treasure their membership.
Agree, LWV are just one more group of mainly retired government employees and school teachers whose only job in fact today is protecting their own government pensions. Just like the Unitarians, though they trot out “social justice” as their smokescreen.
Jaye,
You beat me to it.
I was about to write that if you’ve ever attended a Unitarianista event then that the person who welcomed you to sit with them was a recruiter from the (((League))).
then that person
Democrats love to mess with the early campaign playing field. Make any opposition drain their financial resources in the early fight. That is their real goal. Wound them fatally up front before the real fight begins
We have seen this play out locally – attacking even the opposition candidates right to be on the ballot, then objecting to a candidates stated listing, and finally after the opposition has no money left to campaign, stick the knife into them with their very disciplined Democrat ballot harvesting using SEIU and teacher union member “friends of working families”.
What am I missing here?
Jaye: “What am I missing here?”
If you mean the bottom-feeding Dem operatives have perfected election-rigging so it runs like a Swiss clock and have wrapped it up with a giant red ribbon to their complete advantage, and you’re asking what more could they possibly want at this point, who can disagree? And now, having flushed an uncountable and obscene amount of taxpayers’ money down the backed-up toilet over junky baubles all of these years, smirking over it all the while, they think they are going to spend TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS of our hard-earned money on THIS “special election”?
We’ll see. Apparently even most rank-and-file Democrats are against it.
They make us spend our private money fighting their obstructions. But they spend our tax dollars obstructing us. Makes a taxpayer want to channel the energy of Howard Jarvis and Prop 13 all over again.
Tax payer revolt, kiddies. The time is now.
That’s it in a nutshell.
Thank you Jaye.
Please go to this Cal. Assembly portal and tell these half baked legislators no to the redistricting scheme!
https://aelc.assembly.ca.gov/redistricting-public-comment
People that write oppositional comments are sometimes payed. Either by the comment alone or for elliciting a response.