California GOP lawmaker targets mid-decade redistricting with new bill

Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) announced Monday he plans to introduce federal legislation that would prohibit mid-decade redistricting nationwide.

The bill would nullify any new congressional or legislative district maps adopted by states before the next U.S. Census in 2030, including those approved as early as 2025.

“Gavin Newsom is trying to subvert the will of voters and do lasting damage to democracy in California,” Kiley said in a statement. “Fortunately, Congress has the ability to protect California voters using its authority under the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This will also stop a damaging redistricting war from breaking out across the country.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom has said he is evaluating several options for the state to pursue its own redistricting push, following efforts by Texas Republicans to revise their maps at the urging of President Donald Trump.

Newsom also shared that he’s working with the Legislature on a proposal that could go before voters in a special election this November.

Under California law, however, the power to draw district boundaries was transferred from lawmakers to the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, an independent group that uses census data to draw the lines.

The commission uses U.S. Census data to redraw state and congressional districts every 10 years.

Legal experts have warned that attempting to bypass the commission through a special election could result in litigation.

Kiley’s statement did not address the situation in Texas, where Republican lawmakers are moving ahead with their redistricting plans.

If approved, the new Texas maps could potentially give Republicans the chance to gain up to five congressional seats in the 2026 midterm elections.