Defend Democracy, Not Destroy It: Say No to Newsom’s Election Rigging Scheme

Statement Opposing Newsom–Soria Redistricting Plans

Executive Summary:

Governor Gavin Newsom and Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria are spearheading a dangerous effort to dismantle California’s independent redistricting commission—an institution created by voters to ensure fairness and transparency. Their plan, nothing more then partisan retaliation, would redraw congressional maps to favor Democrats for the next three election cycles (2026, 2028, 2030), undermining voter trust and destabilizing our democratic process.

What Their Bill Really Does:

Newsom’s “Election Rigging Response Act”

• Suspends California’s independent redistricting commission—a voter-approved safeguard against gerrymandering.

• Calls a special election on Nov. 4, 2025, asking voters to approve new maps drawn by Democratic legislators.

• Adds up to five Democrat-leaning congressional districts, countering GOP gains in Texas.

• Overrides constitutional amendments (Prop 11 & Prop 20) passed in 2008 and 2010 to protect nonpartisan mapmaking.

Soria’s AB 1441

• Creates a redistricting commission for Merced County supervisorial districts—but only starting in 2030.

• Does not protect congressional or legislative maps today, leaving the door open for partisan manipulation in the short term.

• Signals alignment with Newsom’s broader redistricting push, despite claiming to support voter empowerment.

Why This Is Dangerous:

• Violates voter intent: Californians overwhelmingly approved independent redistricting to prevent political abuse.

• Sets a precedent for mid-decade gerrymandering: Redistricting is meant to follow the census—not political retaliation.

• Destabilizes representation: Voters could lose trusted representatives and be shuffled into districts designed to dilute their voice.

• Undermines bipartisan reform: Prop 11 and Prop 20 were supported by Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.

Defending the Independent Commission

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission was created to:

• Ensure nonpartisan, transparent mapmaking

• Prevent politicians from choosing their voters

• Uphold constitutional integrity and voter trust

Newsom’s plan would suspend this commission until 2030, allowing partisan control over three election cycles. That’s not reform—it’s a power grab.

Call to Action

We urge all Californians—regardless of party—to:

• Vote NO on Newsom’s redistricting ballot measure this November

• Demand accountability from legislators like Esmeralda Soria who claim to support fairness but enable partisan manipulation

• Defend the commission that protects your vote and your voice

Sincerely,

Gene D. Johnson Jr. 

MCRA President

CRA Vice President

MCRA Founding Member                    

mercorebass@gmail.com

209-580-9933