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A draft plan that's circulating aims to boost the Democratic
margin to 48 of California’s 52 congressional seats, according
to a source familiar with the plan who was not authorized to
discuss it publicly. That’s up from the 43 seats the party now
holds. It would need approval from lawmakers and voters, who may
be skeptical to give it after handing redistricting power to an
independent commission years ago.
In addition, the proposal would generously pad Democratic
margins in districts for competitive seats anchored in Orange
County, San Diego County and the Central Valley farm belt,
giving Democrats a potential advantage as Texas Republicans try
to sway the tissue-thin balance of the House.
According to the proposal, districts now held by Republican
Reps. Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, David Valadao and
Doug LaMalfa would see right-leaning voters shaved and
Democratic voters boosted in a shift that would make it likely a
left-leaning candidate would prevail in each race.
In districts held by Democratic Reps. Dave Min, Mike Levin and
Derek Tran, the party's edge would be boosted to strengthen
their hold on the seats, the source said.
Democratic members of California’s congressional delegation were
briefed on the new map on Monday, according to a person familiar
with the meeting who requested anonymity to discuss private
conversations.
The proposal is being circulated at the same time that
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he wants to advance
partisan redistricting. He says he won’t move ahead if Texas
pauses its efforts.
Newsom said he’d call a special election for the first week of
November. Voters would weigh a new congressional map drawn by
the Democratic-controlled Legislature.
“California will not sit by idly and watch this democracy waste
away,” Newsom said Monday.
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Associated Press writers Tran Nguyen in Sacramento and Joey
Cappelletti in Washington contributed.
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