California Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing ahead with a plan to change the state’s congressional maps. His proposal is aimed at cutting down Republican control in several districts. The governor argues that this move is necessary to respond to similar efforts in Texas.
To make it happen, Newsom needs approval from lawmakers and then a majority of voters in November. His team is preparing a large campaign to win public support. This means raising a huge amount of money. Political experts say the effort could cost more than $100 million.
Newsom is now turning to California’s richest residents for help. Fundraisers are reaching out to billionaires, venture capitalists, and wealthy donor groups. Some big names have already shown interest in supporting the campaign, while others remain undecided.
Sharp criticism from political rivals
Not everyone is backing the governor’s move. Critics call the proposal an attack on fair elections. Some even describe it as “truly evil.” Several political leaders argue that California already has a nonpartisan system that draws district maps, and changing it would undo years of reform.
Republican lawmakers in the state have gone to court, asking judges to stop the plan. They argue that Democrats are violating constitutional rules by rushing the process. At the same time, business leaders and political donors who once supported Democratic causes are now shifting their money toward Republicans, adding to the challenge for Newsom.
⚖️ DOJ, secrets, and a Texas camp — Ghislaine Maxwell transfer fuels speculation of explosive names
Meanwhile, supporters of the current system vow to fight back. They warn that changing the rules for political gain could hurt trust in democracy. This has set up a fierce battle between two camps: those who see the governor’s plan as necessary to counter Texas, and those who view it as an undemocratic power grab.
Battle over money and voter support
The real test will be whether Newsom can raise enough money and convince enough voters to back his idea. At the moment, polls show that only about one in three voters support giving lawmakers the power to redraw district maps. That means the governor has a steep hill to climb.
California is known for its costly ballot fights. Past campaigns over ride-hailing laws and sports betting each cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Experts say that running TV ads, digital campaigns, and outreach across such a large state is extremely expensive.
Newsom has strong ties to unions and local Democratic groups, which have already promised to support him. Unions can provide both money and grassroots power, like phone banking and volunteer work. Wealthy donors from San Francisco and Hollywood are also being courted, and some are already promising to contribute.
But there are risks. Many donors are wary of angering Trump’s allies, especially in the tech industry, where business decisions can be heavily affected by federal policies. Some wealthy supporters are also tired of constant fundraising after years of high-profile political battles in the state.
🕶️ What Are They Hiding? FBI Sparks Fury by Editing Trump, VIPs Out of Epstein Case Files
Despite the uncertainty, the governor is pressing ahead. His campaign has already launched text message appeals and online ads urging people to donate. Fundraisers say the next few weeks will be critical, with advertising needing to start quickly to reach voters before November.
The stakes are high. If approved, the plan could flip several Republican-held seats to Democrats, changing the balance of power in Congress. But first, Newsom must win both the money race and the trust of California voters.
