Newsom Calls Special Election to Redistrict California Congress Seats—What to Know

‘We’re putting the maps on the ballot, and we’re giving the power to the people,’ California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Aug. 14.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (C) speaks about the “Election Rigging Response Act” as U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) (L) looks on at a press conference at the Democracy Center, Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles on Aug. 14, 2025. Mario Tama/Getty Images

On Aug. 14, California Gov. Gavin Newsom called for his state to hold a referendum to redraw the state’s congressional maps, marking an escalation in the ongoing, nationwide districting battles between Republicans and Democrats.

“We’re putting the maps on the ballot, and we’re giving the power to the people,” Newsom announced at an event in Los Angeles, saying that the vote would be held on Nov. 4.