SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Democrat-dominated California Legislature is advancing Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting package on Wednesday, but lawmakers still don't know how much the special election will ultimately cost the state.

The proposal would put new congressional maps before voters in November, which are designed to oust at least five of California's nine Republican members of Congress. Democrats say the effort is a necessary counter to Republican-led gerrymandering in Texas, while GOP lawmakers in California have blasted the plan as an abuse of power.

Cost of a special election sparks partisan clash

In hearings Wednesday, Republicans pressed Democrats for a clear price tag on running the statewide special election.

Bill analyses of the proposals provided few details about the

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