California Democrats have long criticized gerrymandering, the practice of drawing district maps to influence election outcomes. But as Texas Republicans have unveiled district maps intended to favor conservatives in the 2026 midterms, California lawmakers are sketching new plans of their own. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to seek a special election in November, asking California voters to approve new districts that might lend Democrats an edge in the national election – temporarily sidelining California’s independent districting commission. We’ll talk with political reporters about what’s at stake in this redistricting fight.

Guests:

Laurel Rosenhall, California Politics Editor, LA Times

Alexei Koseff, Capitol reporter, CalMatters

Erin Covey, U.S. House of Representatives editor, The Cook Political Report

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