If you think California elections are already unfair, brace yourself. Governor Gavin Newsom and other state politicians are now plotting a blatant and illegal scheme to overturn a widely popular citizens’ initiative and seize back control from the people the process we use to draw California’s election maps.
For decades, politicians engaged in the corrupt practice of “gerrymandering” – which is where election districts are manipulated by the politicians themselves to protect
incumbent politicians and/or specific political parties.
In 2010 California voters used a citizen initiative to pass the independent redistricting model to remove politicians from the process with the ultimate goal of producing election districts that are non-partisan and reflect natural geography and community ties.
The process includes a random selection of citizens to serve as commissioners, many hours of public testimony in hearings across the state, and maps devised in front of the public by the citizen commissioners – not in dark backrooms by politicians and special interests.
The result of this process has been fairer elections and more competitive districts. Exactly what voters want.
Newsom’s plan deliberately seeks to dismantle that model—and return California to the bad old days of politicians gerrymandering their own districts.
Not only is this a betrayal of voter-approved accountability, but it will cost hardworking Californians an estimated $250 million in taxpayer dollars to hold the special election required to ratify Newsom’s scheme.
This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s political malpractice. At a time when the state faces a crippling budget crisis, with cuts hitting schools, public safety, and essential services, Newsom is willing to waste a quarter billion dollars so politicians get to go back to choosing their voters versus voters getting to choose their politicians.
That’s why I’m stepping in and fighting back.
First, we should defend the existing nonpartisan Citizens’ Redistricting Commission process. We should encourage more citizens and communities to participate in the redistricting process in 2030 so the best maps can be devised.
Second, we should urge all states to join Californian in drawing their lines using non-partisan, independent redistricting commissions nationwide. That’s why I introduced a Joint Legislative Resolution urging Congress to pass a constitutional amendment mandating this approach be used in the next census in 2030.
California’s independent commission was meant to be a national gold standard. Newsom’s effort to dismantle it not only violates that standard—it undermines democracy itself. Rigging districts for political gain doesn’t win elections—it kills trust.
Once the districts are rigged, the damage lasts a decade—or more. Voters lose choice, accountability disappears, and government becomes unresponsive. We can’t let partisan politics cost luxury—especially when the price is $250 million.
You work hard, pay your taxes, and deserve a government that fights for you—not one that cashes your check to rewrite the rules. I’m committed to stopping this scheme and making sure that redistricting remains fair, transparent, and non-partisan—here in California and across America.
Because in a real democracy, the voters choose the leaders—not the other way around.
Carl DeMaio is Assemblyman in the 75th District. His district includes Valley Center and Pauma Valley, among many other communities.