The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Aug. 25, 2025
Texas and California took further steps in a Congressional gerrymandering arms race, as theTexas Senate approved a Congressional redistricting map likely to gain five GOP seats in the midterm. In retaliation, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill also with gerrymandered maps which needs a voter majority to bypass the state’s independent redistricting commission.
Early on August 23rd, the Texas Senate voted 18 to 11 along party lines to advance House Bill 4 to Governor Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it. The bill’s sponsor was quoted by the Texas Tribune as saying, “I’m convinced that if Texas does not take this action, there is an extreme risk that the Republican majority will be lost,” referring to the narrow majority in the U.S. House.
CalMatters reports that August 21st, Governor Newsom signed California’s own gerrymandered response to the Texas bill. Proposition 50 will ask voters in a November 4th special election to suspend the state’s landmark independent redistricting commission through 2030, and agree to a partisan gerrymander to gain five or more additional Democratic seats. The last special election in 2021 cost an estimated $200 million dollars.
A poll conducted in early August showed that 61% of California voters supported the independent commission over returning to legislator-drawn maps. But Democrats are closely split, with 49% supporting the commission, and 51% returning redistricting to the legislature.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
KDFW – Proposed Texas redistricting map would drastically shift Democrat-held seats
Texas Tribune – Texas Senate approves GOP congressional map, sending plan to Abbott’s desk
CA Senate President Mike McGuire – Legislative Democrats Announce Plan Empowering Voters to Protect California
Politico – California moves forward with gerrymander to counter Texas
Politico/California Constitution Center – Polling on CA Voter Support of Newsom Proposal
California State Senate – Proposed Congressional Map
CalMatters – Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan is on its way to voters. What you need to know
Stateline – As Democrats fight ‘fire with fire,’ gerrymandering opponents seek a path forward
Groups Taking Action:
Fair Maps Texas Action Committee, Common Cause, FairVote
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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