California Governor Gavin Newsom just suffered a major political embarrassment in his fight against President Donald Trump and Republicans over redistricting.
A new Politico/Citrin Center poll revealed that a majority of Californians overwhelmingly support the state’s independent redistricting commission—directly undercutting Newsom’s push to hand redistricting power back to lawmakers in Sacramento.
The survey found 64% of voters want to keep the commission, while only 36% support letting politicians draw the lines. That’s a huge blow to Newsom’s narrative and a potential death sentence for his mid-decade redistricting plan.
Newsom’s Desperate ‘Temporary’ Power Grab
On Thursday, Newsom urged Democrats in the state legislature to approve a ballot measure allowing them to redraw congressional maps before the next Census—a move he says is temporary but critics call a blatant political power grab.
The proposal comes as Republican-led states like Texas, Florida, and Missouri—with strong backing from President Trump—launch their own mid-decade redistricting efforts. Texas alone is looking to wipe out as many as five Democrat-held House seats, potentially locking in a stronger GOP majority in Congress.
If Republicans succeed, they could hold their 219–212 advantage well past 2026, dealing a devastating blow to Democrat hopes of retaking the House.
Voters Reject Newsom’s Plan – Even Democrats Aren’t Buying It
The poll shows trouble brewing for Newsom even within his own party:
- 61% of Democrats support keeping the independent commission
- 66% of Republicans agree
- 72% of independents say hands off the commission
Political analyst Jack Citrin says the results aren’t surprising—California voters have twice reaffirmed their support for the commission at the ballot box.
California Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley took aim at Newsom’s explanation on social media, noting that the governor’s team pointed out the poll opposing his redistricting push didn’t use the misleading language they intend to put before voters.
National Political Chess Match
This fight is part of a nationwide redistricting arms race. Republicans are moving aggressively to solidify their gains, while Democrats in blue states scramble to respond—but face legal and political roadblocks.
Newsom insists his plan would “neutralize” Republican efforts, but also admitted there’s an “exit ramp” if other states don’t follow through. Still, Democrats are racing ahead. By next week, they plan to unveil proposed new maps and launch a constitutional amendment campaign to make legislature-approved maps temporary for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 cycles.
Why This Matters
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Control of Congress could hinge on a handful of districts. If Trump-backed redistricting in GOP states goes forward while Newsom’s plan collapses under public opposition, Republicans could cement their power in Washington for years.
For now, the numbers tell the story: California voters aren’t buying what Newsom is selling—and Trump’s allies may be the big winners.