Welcome to Bloomberg’s California Edition—covering all the events shaping one of the world’s biggest economies and its global influence. Join us each week as we put a unique lens on the Golden State. Sign up here if you’re not already on the list. California Democrats are launching a political broadside at Texas’ GOP-friendly redistricting plan by pushing a countermeasure of their own. The plan, supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, would allow the state legislature to override California’s independent redistricting commission and grant lawmakers temporary power to redraw congressional lines through 2030. But that’s only if Texas approves its Trump-backed proposal to change its voting maps to improve its 2026 midterm election prospects. The chain of events began last week in Texas, when Republican lawmakers, who convened for a special legislative session, moved to advance new congressional maps designed to lock in more GOP seats before the 2026 midterm elections. Texas Democrats fled the state to block a vote on the plan and now face arrest warrants back home. Newsom has been vocal about trying to counter the Texas GOP move, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she’s mulling disbanding her state’s bipartisan redistricting committee. Meanwhile, Republican stronghold Missouri is looking into mimicking Texas’ strategy. With 52 House seats, California has more influence than any other state, meaning successful gerrymandering could counteract Texas’ efforts. The proposal must clear the Democratic-controlled legislature this month to qualify for a Nov. 4 special election. “The Assembly won’t stand by while our state is targeted,” California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said in a statement. “We will fight fire with fire.” Gavin Newsom during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg |