In a recent Zoom call with Texas state Democrats, former President Barack Obama delivered a sharp critique of efforts to gerrymander congressional districts and suppress voting, specifically targeting actions perceived as an assault on democracy. The meeting served as both a pep talk and a strategy session, during which Obama emphasized the need to fight for democratic principles. He also expressed gratitude to the Texas Democrats for their efforts in highlighting the redistricting fight and inspiring other states to retaliate against Republican plans. Obama’s involvement underscores his commitment to combating partisan gerrymandering, further evidenced by his upcoming fundraiser to support Eric Holder’s National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
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Proposed constitutional amendment would give Colorado governor emergency redistricting authority. Well, this is certainly a hot topic, and it seems to be stirring up some strong feelings among Coloradans and even folks from out of state. The central idea is pretty straightforward: a proposed constitutional amendment that would grant the Colorado governor the power to redraw congressional district lines under certain emergency circumstances.
Proposed constitutional amendment would give Colorado governor emergency redistricting authority. Now, the main trigger for this would be if there’s “substantial evidence” that other states have enacted congressional redistricting plans that lead to severe partisan imbalance. Think of it as a sort of reactive measure.… Continue reading
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott immediately calls second special session for redistricting. So, here we are again, talking about Texas and its ongoing dance with political maneuvering. As the dust barely settles from the first special session, Governor Greg Abbott has swiftly announced a second one focused squarely on redistricting. This isn’t exactly a surprise, is it? It seems like every time Texas Democrats try to make a move, the political landscape shifts beneath their feet. The fact that the Democrats might be heading back to the state in some capacity now means the pressure is on.
The central question, of course, is why?… Continue reading
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that state Democrats would pursue a redistricting plan in response to Texas Republicans’ efforts to create maps favoring their party. Newsom stated this counter-strategy was necessary to counteract what he sees as Republican attempts to manipulate the system. He presented this plan as a temporary measure to balance the scales. This announcement was made during a rally in Los Angeles.
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In a surprising move, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a special election for November 4th, proposing a mid-decade redistricting plan. This announcement comes amidst ongoing redistricting efforts in several states, potentially favoring Republicans, and follows Newsom’s criticism of Republican redistricting strategies in Texas. Newsom’s plan, if approved by voters, would allow for redrawing congressional maps for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections before returning the process to the state’s independent redistricting commission. The governor framed this as a way to combat partisan gerrymandering and called for a national redistricting commission, a move that was immediately criticized by Republicans.
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Maryland leaders have announced they are considering all options regarding redistricting in the state. Governor Wes Moore confirmed this stance, acknowledging the potential need to respond to actions in other states. This follows a similar announcement from California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, who plans to introduce partisan congressional maps. Furthermore, Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon has stated that he will sponsor legislation to trigger redistricting if necessary, specifically if Texas or other states redistrict before the census.
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In response to potential Republican redistricting efforts, particularly in Texas, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a ballot measure to allow Democrats to redraw the state’s congressional map. This move, dubbed the “Election Rigging Response Act,” aims to counteract the GOP’s plans to gain House seats through mid-decade redistricting. Newsom’s strategy hinges on circumventing California’s independent redistricting commission, a tactic he believes is necessary given the actions of former President Trump and Republican-led states. The initiative, if approved by voters, could lead to new congressional lines enacted in time for the 2026 midterm elections and is viewed as a defensive measure to counter potential GOP gains.
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Newsom to make announcement on redistricting after threatening to end Trump’s presidency is generating some serious buzz, and for good reason. It’s a move that’s got people talking about political strategy, the balance of power, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of good old-fashioned political theater. The situation is complex, and opinions are definitely mixed.
Newsom’s actions have really struck a nerve, and it’s clear that some folks see his approach as a direct challenge to the status quo. Rep. Kevin Kiley’s response is a prime example of the kind of pushback Newsom is facing, framing the situation as a threat to democracy itself.… Continue reading
Newsom urges Illinois, NY to hurry up on redistricting, and it’s easy to see why he’s feeling the pressure. Republicans are already moving aggressively, targeting states like Missouri and Indiana for mid-decade redistricting, a tactic designed to solidify their advantage in the House. The consensus is clear: Democrats can’t afford to sit idle while the GOP redraws the map to their liking. The call to action is now, because by the time they respond, it could be too late.
The situation highlights a difficult dilemma. While gerrymandering is far from ideal, it’s viewed by many as a necessary evil, a tool to level the playing field in the face of aggressive Republican tactics.… Continue reading
Governor Gavin Newsom responded to Republican gerrymandering efforts with a defiant social media post directed at former President Donald Trump, using all caps and quotation marks. Newsom threatened to redraw California’s maps to counter efforts in red states, demanding Trump call off the redistricting. This sparked a reaction, with Newsom announcing a press conference and mocking Trump’s nickname, “TACO,” referencing his inconsistent tariff policies. Newsom’s aggressive stance comes amidst a redistricting “arms race” and challenges the legitimacy of plans in states like Texas.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood