California Democrats Eye Mid-Decade Redistricting Amid National⁢ Political‌ Chess

California Democrats are reportedly considering a⁤ mid-decade redrawing of congressional districts, a move that could significantly alter the state’s political landscape and perhaps benefit the ‌party nationally. This ​potential shift comes as⁢ the state’s self-reliant ⁣redistricting ‍commission,established ⁣to create fair and competitive maps,faces scrutiny and ‍opposition from both sides of the political aisle.

The debate centers on⁤ the timing and method of redistricting, a process that typically occurs every ten years following the⁢ U.S. Census. Though,some⁤ Democrats,citing ​the need to counter perceived Republican advantages in other states,are exploring options to redraw California’s congressional maps sooner.

“We⁢ drew⁣ fair ⁣and competitive maps that ⁣fully abided by federal laws around the Voting​ Rights Act⁢ to ensure communities of⁣ color have⁣ an equal possibility ‌at⁤ the ballot box,” said Sadhwani, a politics professor at Pomona ‌College. ⁣”That being said, especially when it comes to ‌Congress, most certainly California playing fair puts ​Democrats at a disadvantage nationally.”

Sadhwani advocates for ​a nationwide​ embrace of independent redistricting but supports Democratic efforts in California to ‍temporarily redraw districts ⁤given the perceived‌ stakes. “I think‍ it’s‍ patriotic to fight against what appears to be our democracy falling into what appears ⁤to be authoritarian rule,” she added.

On the other side of the debate is Charles Munger Jr., son of​ the late ⁣billionaire Charlie Munger. Munger Jr. has ⁢invested heavily, spending over $12 million⁤ to support the‌ ballot measure that created the independent redistricting commission and is committed to its preservation.

“He’s very much committed to making sure the commission is ​preserved,” said someone ‌close to Munger​ who requested anonymity to speak candidly. This individual stated that Munger believes “this is ultimately political quicksand and​ a redistricting war at the end of⁣ day is ⁤a loss to American voters.” Munger, a former major ⁣donor to the‌ state GOP,‌ is actively ⁢involved in the​ California redistricting fight and is researching nationwide efforts to combat gerrymandering.

Historically, both the state Democratic and Republican⁢ parties opposed the creation of the independent⁤ redistricting commission in 2010. Now,‍ the dynamic‌ has ‌shifted. Democrats, who stand to gain seats with a redrawn map​ by ⁣state lawmakers, support mid-decade redistricting.‌ Conversely, the state GOP, which would likely lose seats, argues for adhering to the decade-long redistricting ⁤cycle managed by the independent‍ commission.

the California Republican Party congressional delegation criticized the​ potential move, stating, “it’s a shame that governor⁤ Newsom and the radical Left in Sacramento are willing to spend $200 million on a⁢ statewide special election, while running‌ a deficit of $20 billion, in order to ⁢silence the opposition in our state. As a Delegation we will⁣ fight any attempt to disenfranchise ‍California voters ⁣by whatever means necessary to⁢ ensure⁣ the will of the people continues to be reflected in​ redistricting ⁢and in our ‍elections.”

What Happens Next?

If California Democrats proceed with ‌their ⁤proposal,which is contingent on actions taken by ⁣Texas lawmakers in their special legislative‍ session,they ​have two primary ​avenues:

Special election: ⁢ state lawmakers could vote to place a measure before voters in a special election,likely in November. ‍This option is costly,with ⁤the 2021 gubernatorial recall election costing over $200 million.
legislative Redrawing: The Legislature could redraw the maps directly. ‍However, this approach is considered more vulnerable to legal challenges.

Both scenarios are expected to be‌ treated as urgency items,⁢ requiring a two-thirds vote in ​the Legislature. This would prevent the ⁣action from being subject⁣ to a‌ referendum that could delay its implementation. ⁣The California Legislature is currently out of session until mid-August.

Times staff​ writer Taryn Luna in Sacramento contributed to this report.