Democracy Is on the Line

Republicans are playing games with our democracy. And here’s the thing about playing stupid games: you win stupid prizes.

President Donald Trump and his allies are rewriting the rules to lock in power. In states like Texas, Republican legislatures are redrawing Congressional maps. Not because of new census data. Not because the courts ordered it. But because they think they can get away with it. It’s a calculated attempt to rig the next election.

When partisan legislatures abuse the redistricting process, it threatens all of us. California must fight back.

As a member of the Assembly Elections Committee, I voted to advance a plan that protects our voice in Washington. If other states rig the rules, we’re prepared to respond. We’re not copying their corruption – we’re defending our state and giving power to the people.

Here’s what we’re doing. If Republican states move first to redraw their maps for political gain, California will respond with a one-time adjustment to our congressional districts. The Citizens Redistricting Commission remains in place, untouched. After the 2030 Census, it resumes its full authority. This is a limited, conditional response to a national threat with Californians having the final say.

That’s the difference between California and those other states. In Texas, politicians draw maps in back rooms. In California, voters get the final word. Everyone will know what’s being proposed. And on Nov. 4, the public will vote on whether those maps go into effect. That’s what democracy looks like.

I understand the skepticism. Redistricting is about trust. That’s why we’re doing this transparently. The maps must follow the Voting Rights Act. They must protect historically marginalized communities. And they only take effect if the people approve them.

That kind of caution is necessary because the threat is real.

We have already seen what happens when Trump and his allies take control of the federal government. Disaster relief has been denied while Californians lose their homes to wildfires and floods. Medicaid cuts have targeted our poorest families. Public schools have faced defunding efforts. Cruel immigration raids have torn families apart. Tariffs have slammed small businesses and raised prices on working people. Courts have been stacked with ideologues who have stripped away fundamental rights.

Now they’re trying to lock those outcomes in permanently by rigging Congressional elections.

This isn’t about partisanship. It’s about fairness. California is the largest and most diverse state in the country. We drive the economy, power innovation and shape the future. We deserve fair representation. We shouldn’t be held hostage by partisan maps drawn in Texas.

California didn’t start this fight. But we won’t let our voice be drowned out. We will defend our values, and we will do it the right way – transparently, legally and with voters in charge.

That is why I voted “yes.” Because sometimes defending democracy means stepping up, calling out what is wrong and saying enough is enough.

Assemblymember Catherine Stefani represents California’s 19th Assembly District, which includes the west side of San Francisco and northern San Mateo County. She can be reached at 415-557-2312 or Assemblymember.Stefani@assembly.ca.gov.