San Diego leaders, lawmakers respond to Governor Newsom redistricting plan

Aug 15, 2025 - 04:00

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Governor Gavin Newsom has been met with both support and criticism following his announcement on Thursday to redistrict California, from San Diego representatives and leaders.

While some have seen this action as a power grab, others have seen the move as necessary to prevent the Trump administration from influencing upcoming midterm elections or entertaining a third term.

“California will not sit idle as Trump and his Republican lapdogs shred our country’s democracy before our very eyes,” Newsom said. “In just six months, Trump’s unchecked power has cost Americans billions and taken an ax to the greatest democracy we’ve ever known.”

President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, and former San Diego Assemblywoman, Lorena Gonzalez was a speaker at Newsom’s press conference on Thursday. Gonzalez stated that lawmakers need to fight back if they care about the people they represent.

“We want people who are independent, not obedient,” Gonzalez said. “And it’s time for us to show a little disobedience to Donald Trump. It’s time for us to fight with everything we have.”

A crowd at Governor Newsom's press conference. (The Office of the California Governor)

Newsom proposed act is a response to Texas’ recent redistricting, which was decided in the legislature. However, Newsom plans for a special election for voters to decide on the “Election Rigging Response Act” this November. While there isn’t an exact price for election expenses, some experts suggest it may cost upwards of $200 million, according to The Sacramento Bee.

“Newsom`s latest scheme is a blatant political power grab by him and Sacramento insiders, potentially costing taxpayers $150 million and overturning the will of the people,” San Diego County Fifth District Supervisor Jim Desmond said in a press release.

San Diego Representative Sara Jacobs stated that democrats want independent non-partisan districting but that this is an emergency situation.

“If we’re not all playing by the same good rules, the next best option is that we can all play by the same rules,” Jacobs said in a video posted on social media.

According to a press release, the Election Rigging Response Act has five major provisions:

It must be approved by California voters

It aims to level the “playing field” in the 2026 midterms

Reaffirms states should have independent districting

Only goes into effect if Republicans stay committed to their redistricting

And it is temporary, as the map expires in 2030

Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (D-75), who represents East County, San Diego area, believes the act is “corrupt” and uses Trump to advance the legislation.

California Assemblymember Carl DeMaio gives remarks in San Diego. (KSWB/KUSI)

“This is a blatant attempt to rig elections by allowing politicians to choose voters rather than letting voters choose politicians – and if this measure passes, the independent Citizens’ Redistricting process will be dead forever,” DeMaio said.

DeMaio added that he has a “plan to stop him,” in a press release. DeMaio stated he recruited 10,000 volunteers to push for voter ID laws who will now be asked to “harvest” ballots that vote no to the redistricting plan.

California residents will be able to vote on the act in a special election on Nov. 4.

“This moment calls for urgency and action, that is what we are putting before voters this November, a chance to fight back against his anti-American ways,” Newsom said.