What’s at stake as more Democrats coalesce around Gov. Newsom’s redistricting proposal for House seats

When Gov. Gavin Newsom first proposed redrawing congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections to get more Democrats elected — a counter to a similar effort being considered by Texas Republicans to increase the number of GOP seats there — the reception was more lukewarm, even among members of Newsom’s own political party.

But in recent weeks, an increasing number of Democrats appear to be falling in line with the California governor’s proposal, coalescing around the idea that Democrats must “fight fire with fire” if Republicans seek to “rig” the elections in Texas and other red states.

Redistricting is a complicated process.

Redistricting mid-cycle, amid swirling political implications, is perhaps even more convoluted.

Nine of California’s 52 House seats are curren