California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday had some choice words for Republicans amid the ongoing redistricting standoff.
“We’re fighting fire with fire,” the Democrat said, “and we’re gonna punch these sons of bitches in the mouth.”
California lawmakers on Thursday approved plans to redraw the state's congressional districts to add more seats for Democrats. The maps now head to California voters for a special election on November 4.
In Texas, Republican lawmakers are advancing a mid-decade redistricting plan — which President Donald Trump backs — that could lead to five new GOP House seats. In response, California Democrats fast-tracked their own maps to shift five seats toward their party. And it doesn't stop there — other states on both ends of the political spectrum have vowed to redistrict (aka gerrymander) in response to Texas and California. The parties are hoping to lock in favorable maps ahead of next year’s midterms, where control of the narrowly divided House of Representatives will be on the line.
“We’re responding to what occurred in Texas,” Newsom said at Thursday's bill-signing. “We’re neutralizing what occurred, and we’re giving the American people a fair chance, because when all things are equal, we’re all playing by the same rules.”
