Newsom calls for a special election to allow for a new congressional map in California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged lawmakers to approve a November ballot measure, the “Election Rigging Response Act,” allowing Democrats to redraw congressional maps to counter Republican mid‑decade redistricting in Texas. The move would bypass California’s independent commission and potentially protect Democratic House seats in the 2026 elections. Newsom framed the effort as a response to Trump‑backed GOP plans in Texas to gain up to five additional seats. The proposal requires legislative approval and voter backing, with maps expected soon, NBC News has reported. The dispute highlights a nationwide partisan tit‑for‑tat over redistricting, as Texas Democrats flee the state to block the GOP plan.