CA Democrats flip on redistricting after backing independent commissions
California Democrats are facing backlash as they push for Governor Gavin Newsom’s mid-census redistricting efforts to be put on the ballot in November. Despite their support for independent redistricting commissions in the past, recent statements from Democratic lawmakers seem to contradict their previous stance.
Republicans in the Golden State, who are significantly outnumbered in Sacramento, highlighted recent comments from Democrats expressing support for independent redistricting. State Senate GOP lawmakers pointed out that just last month, Democratic legislators were clear in their support for independent redistricting, but now seem to have changed their tune.
During a recent state Senate Elections Committee hearing, Democratic Sen. Benjamin Allen emphasized the importance of redistricting commissions over allowing incumbents to draw their own lines. Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria also spoke in favor of a more transparent process that gives voters a seat at the table.
Other Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Scott Wiener and Sen. Jesse Arreguin, have voiced support for independent redistricting commissions in the past. However, their current backing of Newsom’s redistricting plan has raised questions about their commitment to impartiality in the redistricting process.
The Republican opposition to Newsom’s redistricting scheme has been swift and vocal. State Sen. Roger Niello has stalled the process by withholding approval for legislative sessions, citing concerns about politicians manipulating district boundaries for their own gain.
In addition, Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has vowed to launch a legal battle against the redistricting plan, arguing that politicians should not be allowed to choose their own voters.
As the debate over redistricting in California heats up, it remains to be seen whether Democrats will stick to their previous support for independent commissions or if they will continue to back Newsom’s controversial proposal. Regardless of the outcome, the issue of redistricting is sure to remain a hot topic in the upcoming election.
