A new UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey finds Democrats divided over California’s plan to redraw its congressional map in retaliation for a Republican-backed overhaul in Texas. While 63% of Democrats told pollsters gerrymandering is “never acceptable,” only 38% said California should stick with its independent redistricting process if Texas proceeds, and 35% favored matching Texas with a partisan map of its own. Within California, a separate Berkeley/IGS poll shows voters leaning toward Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to adopt a temporary, Democrat-tilted map. Statewide, 48% back the measure, 32% oppose it and 20% are undecided; support rises to 55% among likely voters. Newsom’s job-approval rating has climbed to 51%-43% from an even split in May, suggesting the governor’s high-profile campaign against Texas is resonating with his base. The Legislature approved the new map on Aug. 21 and Newsom immediately set a Nov. 4 special election to let voters ratify or reject it. Critics, including California Republican Representative Kevin Kiley, warn the move could trigger an escalating cycle of partisan map-making; Kiley has introduced a bill that would ban mid-decade redistricting nationwide. The November vote will determine whether California temporarily abandons its independent system to counter what Newsom calls an effort by Texas and President Donald Trump to ‘rig the next election.’