California Governor Gavin Newsom formally unveiled the “Election Rigging Response Act,” a proposal to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries before the 2026 midterms. Framing the move as a counter to President Donald Trump’s push for mid-cycle redistricting in Texas and other Republican-controlled states, Newsom said, “We’re giving the people of this state the power to save democracy.” He plans to place the new maps, which could shift five or six House seats to Democrats, before voters in a Nov. 4, 2025 special election. Under the plan, California would suspend its independent redistricting commission for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 election cycles, replacing its maps if Texas or another GOP state first adopts mid-decade lines. Newsom added an “exit ramp,” saying the measure would be dropped should those states abandon their efforts. Legislative leaders must pass enabling legislation once lawmakers return from recess; fast-track rules give them only four days to act, though similar deadlines have been waived in the past. Early public opinion is unfavorable. A Politico survey released Thursday found 64% of California voters prefer to keep the independent commission, while 36% support allowing lawmakers to redraw districts mid-decade. Republicans labeled the initiative a power grab, and former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vowed to campaign against it, while senior Democrats—including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Alex Padilla—rallied behind Newsom. Legal challenges over population data and federal voting-rights protections are also expected if the measure reaches the ballot.