California Democrats release proposed congressional map with redrawn districts
(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - California Democrats have released proposed congressional map with redrawn districts to counter Texas in the fight for the U.S House.
The map was released by Democrats to the California legislature. A proposal for redrawing California's congressional districts, most districts in the Bay Area won't change.
While the DCCC thinks it's a way to push back against what they call corrupt redistricting in Texas and other red states, local Republicans, like Shane Connolly, see it as a move by Governor Gavin Newsom to advance his presidential ambitions.
"He's come up with a cynical scheme to oppose the will of the voters and overturn citizen redistricting," Connolly expressed.
The Democrats project that under this new map, four districts currently held by Republicans would go Democratic.
- District 1 represented by Doug Lamalfa in Northeastern California
- District 3 represented by Kevin Kiley in Eastern California
- District 48 represented by Darrell Isa in Riverside and San Diego.
Plus, the changes could flip another Republican held district in the Central Valley.
"Obviously Democrats are talking about picking up five seats that will be difficult but not unheard of," said Professor David McCuan with Sonoma State University.
Professor McCuan says Democrats only have a few days to get the legislature to vote on this if approved it will go before the voters on November 4, which McCuan thinks will be one of the biggest political arms races in recent memory.
"And this sets up a really gargantuan, monumental mother of all elections kind of battle," McCuan remarked.
"I think the voters will reject this proposal," Connolly added.
Some California Republicans are already gearing up to oppose this effort as former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has indicated he would as well, posting a photo Friday that says, "Terminate Gerrymandering."
