California lawmakers approve Democratic-led redistricting plan

California lawmakers on Thursday approved Governor Gavin Newsom's plan to redraw the state's political map, a move aimed at countering the Republican-led redistricting in Texas that could shape the control of the U.S. Congress in the 2026 elections.

The California State Assembly and Senate voted to pass a package of bills, which sets the stage for voters to decide whether to redraw congressional maps this year. The bills signed by Newsom later in the day will go to voters in a special statewide election on Nov. 4. Redistricting means redrawing electoral district boundaries that impact elections for the U.S. House of Representatives. Newsom's plan would allow one-time adjustments in 2026, 2028 and 2030.