California voters have approved a ballot measure to redraw the state’s congressional map, potentially giving Democrats five more seats in the 2026 midterms.
The Associated Press called the race at 8 p.m., just as polls closed.
The vote comes in response to a similar move from Texas, where Republican leaders redrew their maps this summer to eliminate up to five Democratic seats.
Gov. Gavin Newsom billed the measure as a way to “fight fire with fire” by stopping Republicans from rigging the 2026 midterms. The vote marks a significant win for Newsom, who sold the measure to voters as a way to stop President Trump’s agenda.
“We are done being treated like this,” Newsom said at a rally over the weekend. “What this is all about is Democrats getting back on our toes — not on our heels. Getting our mojo back.”
Republicans currently hold a six-vote majority in Congress. In California’s 52 seats, Democrats hold a 43-9 advantage — but that could grow to 48-4 under the new maps, possibly helping Democrats win control of Congress.
Success was not a foreordained when Newsom proposed the new maps this summer, which, unlike in Texas, required voter approval to change the California constitution.
California voters had previously created an independent redistricting commission to draw lines in a non-partisan fashion — a key element of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s legacy in office. In polls before the campaign, voters were generally supportive of the commission.
But an ad campaign, along with big endorsements from Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, sent a message to Democratic voters that the proposition would offer a golden opportunity to fight back against Trump.
The successful campaign burnishes Newsom’s credentials as a fighter as he is expected to launch a campaign for president in 2028.
The redistricting battle may not be over yet. Other states have considered countering California’s move, including Indiana, Ohio and Florida.
