California House Democrats, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, are pursuing a mid-decade redistricting plan aimed at gaining five to seven additional congressional seats ahead of the 2026 elections. This effort is a direct response to recent Republican-led redistricting in Texas, which increased GOP seats from 25 to 30 while reducing Democratic seats from 13 to 8. Newsom and California Democrats argue the redistricting is necessary to counteract the GOP's changes in Texas and potentially other states. The plan faces opposition from both parties within the California legislature and raises concerns about compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Currently, California's congressional delegation comprises 52 districts, with Democrats holding approximately 83% of the seats and Republicans 17%, despite Republicans regularly securing around 40% of the statewide vote. The proposed redistricting has drawn criticism for its potential to diminish Republican representation further. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also joined Newsom in opposing the Texas GOP redistricting moves. A Democratic lawmaker encapsulated the strategy by stating, "If Texas goes, we are going."