SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — U.S. lawmakers are at odds over how to end the gerrymandering war – a clash that could reshape the balance of power in Congress.
California’s Proposition 50, championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, aims to secure at least five additional Democratic House seats in the 2026 midterms. The measure was designed as a counter to Texas, which recently approved gerrymandered maps to shore up Republicans’ slim majority.
RELATED: New poll: California Latinos split on Prop. 50 as campaigns ramp up outreach
In Washington, California Democrats unveiled a new proposal Thursday to prohibit states from changing their congressional maps mid-decade. The legislation, filed by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, would also require all states to adopt independent redistricting models similar to that of the Golden State.
“It should be voters choosing the representatives, not the other way around,” Padilla said at a Thursday press conference on Capitol Hill. “We’re more than happy to meet Republicans on a level playing field every election and competing on ideas and policies, and proposed solutions, not competing on who can rig the rules more than the other.”
Last month, GOP Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) introduced his own bill that would also ban mid-decade redistricting and nullify any maps modified mid-decade, unless if it was mandated by a court. Kiley is one of five Republicans targeted in California’s proposed maps that voters will soon weigh in on.
“Coming up with a solution to end gerrymandering has to be bipartisan,” Kiley told reporters Thursday.
RELATED: CA Gov. Newsom signs legislation calling special election on redrawn congressional map
His bill has been stalled in the House since its introduction.
“It’s so bad for Democracy, it’s so bad for representative government, so bad for the institution of the House which is why I think it’s really unacceptable the speaker has allowed this to happen and has actually cheered it along in some ways. It’s certainly not standing up for what the members of the House want and what people across America want,” Kiley said.
A source close to Kiley told ABC7 News the congressman supports independent redistricting in principle, but that the provision is a tough sell for other Republicans who don’t want to cede states’ rights.
In a Friday interview with ABC7 News, Sen. Adam Schiff blamed Republicans for the reason the legislation has not been bipartisan.
“Republicans feel they benefit more by gerrymandering their districts,” Schiff said.
MORE: Trump, California Republicans move to block Newsom’s redistricting ballot measure
Redistricting experts note that both Democratic and Republican state have both historically drawn their congressional maps to be politically favorable to one party or another.
When ABC7 News asked if Democrats would prefer no reform over a partial one, Schiff argued the Republican plan “still empowers states to do this terrible gerrymander.”
“Whether they do it only once every ten years or they do it twice every ten years, we ought to ban that practice. I think that’s really in the best interest of the country,” he said.
Without federal action, states will continue to set their own rules. Texas has already approved maps designed to help Republicans gain five additional seats. Missouri and other red states are pursuing similar proposals, with its Legislature signing off on new maps aiming to draw out one incumbent House Democrat from his seat.
California Democrats are banking on Proposition 50 to cancel out those GOP gains – leaving voters to decide the outcome in November.
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