Rep. Kevin Kiley Takes Action Against California’s Redistricting Changes

Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) has launched an initiative to counter what he describes as a “Brazen and Corrupt” attempt by California Governor Gavin Newsom to alter the state’s districting process. His proposal involves introducing federal legislation that would ban mid-term rezoning across the country, aiming to safeguard the voter-approved Citizen Redistribution Committees in California.

Kiley announced on Monday that he intends to prevent any changes to the state’s districts before the 2030 census. He claims that Newsom’s plan threatens to undermine the independence of California’s redistricting process and potentially facilitates partisan gerrymandering.

According to Kiley, Newsom’s proposal would effectively disable new district maps created during the census. He emphasized that this would sideline the Civic Constituency Change Commission and lead to an increased likelihood of partisan manipulation until 2026.

“Gavin Newsom is attempting to override the will of the voters and damage California’s democracy,” Kiley remarked in a press statement. He believes that Congress can leverage its authority under the election provisions of the US Constitution to protect California voters.

Kiley also shared a video on the House floor criticizing Newsom’s perceived strategy to dissolve the independent redistricting agency. “In 2010, California voters decisively opted for a Civic Constituency Change Commission,” he stated. “Voters should have a say in who their politicians are, not the other way around.”

He noted that Newsom originally considered bypassing the Citizens’ Rezoning Committee altogether by enforcing maps from the governor’s office. However, it seems he reconsidered after recognizing the likelihood of legal challenges. Now, Kiley suggests that Newsom is orchestrating special elections that might confuse voters and undermine the protective measures Californians established.

Kiley warned that such a plan would greatly reduce the number of Republican representatives in California. “He aims to shrink the GOP to just three out of 52 seats here,” he declared, pointing out that Republicans typically receive more than 40% of votes statewide, yet this would translate to a mere 6% representation.

Even watchdog organizations that lean left are expressing concern over what’s being termed “Newsom’s Maneuver.” Patricia Sinai, a Democrat involved with the Civic Constituency Commission, contends that this approach undermines the committee’s original purpose.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) praised Texas Democrats who fled the state to halt Republican redistricting, calling it “good trouble.” These same Democrats have faced criticism for Republicans leveraging a natural disaster’s aftermath to redefine district lines in their favor. In response, Newsom voiced support for their actions, asserting, “This is what we fight for our democracy.”

Kiley’s legislation aims to ensure both major parties adhere to the same regulations. He believes redistricting should occur only every decade, post-census. “This approach will prevent further conflicts,” he stated. “We need to draw lines—literally and constitutionally.”

“This may represent one of the most corrupt practices in American history,” Kiley cautioned. “Every Californian and every decent American, regardless of their political affiliation, should oppose it.”