Gavin Newsom redistricting push knocked for ‘disenfranchising Californians’
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting effort is facing backlash from Republicans in the state assembly who are accusing the Democrats of keeping them in the dark and “disenfranchising Californians.”
GOP Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, vice chair of the California State Assembly Committee on Elections, criticized Democrats for only giving her “barely 24 hours” to review the redistricting bill before a Tuesday hearing. She claimed that Democrats had prior knowledge, putting Republicans at a disadvantage.
Macedo expressed determination to thwart the redistricting push, stating, “We are in the super-minority, but we are effective, and we will defeat this.” She emphasized the unfairness of having limited time to prepare compared to Democratic co-authors who had already signed onto the bill.
Despite facing challenges, Macedo declared that witnesses at the hearing could face legal consequences for not answering her questions. She warned, “If you don’t answer my questions tomorrow, attorneys will be making sure you answer them in a courtroom. You can run, but you cannot hide.”
Macedo vowed not to back down from the fight against disenfranchisement of Californians, stating, “We are tired of democracy dying here. We will fight back.” She emphasized that if Republicans cannot stop the redistricting plans in the assembly, they will pursue victory either in a courtroom or at the ballot box.
Four GOP state lawmakers have filed a lawsuit in California’s Supreme Court to halt the Democrat-controlled legislature from voting on the redistricting push by the week’s end. Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, one of the plaintiffs, highlighted the importance of respecting voters’ demands for fairness and transparency in the redistricting process.
Governor Newsom’s plan to introduce a redistricting map in California as a response to Texas’ redistricting bill has sparked controversy. The proposed map could potentially eliminate five GOP congressional seats, countering the potential gains Republicans could make in Texas.
The California legislature introduced a constitutional amendment on Monday for a referendum vote in November, allowing the temporary suspension of the nonpartisan districting commission to move forward with the DCCC’s redistricting plans.
As the redistricting debate unfolds, both sides are gearing up for a contentious battle over the future of California’s electoral boundaries. With tensions running high, the outcome of this political showdown remains uncertain.
