California’s redistricting fight is in the spotlight as voters start casting ballots on whether to change the state’s congressional map. The move could have major national effects.
Redistricting voting opened on Monday, with California residents asked a 70-word yes-or-no question.
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If voters approve the redraw, Democrats could gain up to five U.S. House seats, potentially paving the way to retake the chamber in next year’s midterms. Republicans currently hold a slim 219-213 lead, with three vacancies.
In California, Democrats outnumber Republicans two to one. Voting runs through Nov. 4.
Redistricting efforts across the US
The California redistricting effort began after President Donald Trump backed a redistricting push in Texas that added five GOP-leaning districts. That move was aimed at helping Republicans in the 2026 election.
Texas Democrats fled the state at one point to try and prevent a vote on new maps.
Missouri introduced a redistricting effort of its own, passing a new congressional map back in September, which will likely give Republicans an extra seat in the House.
In response to the effort in Texas, California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged his state to respond with its own Democratic-friendly map.
However, Newsom has said he would drop the redistricting effort if other states like Texas pulled back their efforts. It’s unclear whether that’s still the case, given that voting is now underway.
