California Voters Support Independent Redistricting Commission Amid Newsom's Controversial Plans

A recent poll indicates that a significant majority of California voters favor maintaining an independent redistricting commission, which Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly seeking to bypass. The survey, released by Politico in collaboration with the Citrin Center and Possibility Lab, reveals that 64 percent of respondents support the commission, which was established to draw congressional district lines in a nonpartisan manner.

The poll shows strong bipartisan support for the commission, with 66 percent of Republicans, 61 percent of Democrats, and 72 percent of independents backing its continuation. In contrast, only 36 percent of voters expressed support for returning redistricting authority to state legislators.

This polling data presents a challenge for Newsom, who, along with Democratic lawmakers, is considering measures to circumvent the independent commission in order to create a congressional map that could benefit Democrats. Critics argue that such a move would amount to gerrymandering, undermining the original intent of the commission.

“Republicans have triggered this response. And we’re not going to roll over and we’re going to fight fire with fire,” Newsom stated earlier this month, emphasizing the need for California to protect its political interests.

Currently, Democrats hold 43 of California’s 53 congressional seats, while Republicans occupy nine. The independent redistricting commission was established through two constitutional amendments passed by voters in 2008 and 2010. A competing amendment in 2010 that sought to repeal the commission was overwhelmingly rejected, with nearly 60 percent of voters opposing it.

To challenge the commission’s authority, Newsom and his allies are considering a strategy that involves the Democrat-controlled legislature passing a constitutional amendment. This amendment would be presented to voters later this fall, temporarily setting aside the independent commission in favor of a new congressional map that could be more favorable to Democrats.

According to reports, the proposed amendment would allow the alternative map to be brought directly to the public for approval, with the intention of reverting back to the independent commission for future redistricting.

The governor is expected to provide more details about his administration’s plans on Thursday, as the political landscape in California continues to evolve in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.

As the debate over redistricting intensifies, the outcome of this issue could have significant implications for California’s political balance and representation in Congress.

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