electionriggingresponseact

📉 Newsom’s “Liberation Day” Flops as Redistricting Plan Faces Backlash

California Governor Gavin Newsom drew just 106 attendees—including campaign staff and reporters—to his highly publicized “Liberation Day” rally on August 14, where he formally unveiled the Election Rigging Response Act, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow state lawmakers to redraw congressional districts before the 2026 midterms.

The measure, set to appear on the November 2025 ballot if approved by the legislature, would expire after the 2030 census. Newsom framed the proposal as a direct counterattack to Republican-led redistricting in Texas, saying it’s necessary to help Democrats reclaim control of the U.S. House. “Donald Trump poked the bear,” Newsom declared. “We will punch back.”

But critics across the political spectrum are calling it a blatant power grab. The plan would sideline California’s independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, established by voters to prevent partisan gerrymandering. A new Politico–Citrin Center–Possibility Lab poll found 64% of Californians oppose giving the legislature redistricting power, with just 36% in support. California GOP Chairwoman Corrin Rankin slammed the proposal, saying it “tramples the will of the voters.”

The rally’s sparse turnout and poor polling numbers have sparked fresh doubts about Newsom’s national ambitions, especially as he ramps up public clashes with President Donald Trump in what many see as early positioning for a 2028 presidential run.

Despite the pushback, Newsom insists the move is temporary and reactive. “We’re putting maps on the ballot, and we’re giving the power to the people,” he said. But with no draft maps released and the legislature yet to act, critics say the governor is campaigning on a plan that doesn’t yet exist.
#California
#GavinNewsom
#ElectionRiggingResponseAct
#democrats
#Texas