Newsom’s Redistricting Scheme: A Threat to Democracy?

When our Founding Fathers designed this great republic, they did so with one goal in mind: to put the power in the hands of the people. That power is not meant for politicians to twist and bend to serve their own interests. It is meant to be safeguarded, respected, and exercised through honest, fair elections. But today in California, Governor Gavin Newsom is trying to do the exact opposite. He wants to rig the game, redraw the map, and silence the voice of millions of voters.

Let’s be clear: this is not about good government. It’s not about fairness. It’s about control. Newsom and his Democrat allies are trying to grab more power by changing the rules in their favor. Right now, California uses an independent citizens’ commission to draw congressional district lines. That means regular people—not politicians—decide how the voting maps are made. This system was created in 2008 because Californians were sick and tired of politicians drawing lines to protect their own jobs and punish their opponents.

And guess what? The people still believe in that system. A new poll from UC Berkeley and Politico shows that 64% of voters—nearly two out of every three—want to keep the independent panel in charge. Only 36% support Newsom’s plan to let the Democrat-controlled legislature take over the redistricting process. That is a massive rejection of Newsom’s scheme.

Why would Newsom want to change something that works? Because it doesn’t give him the outcome he wants. His plan would wipe out at least four of the nine Republican-held congressional seats in California. That’s nearly half! He’s not trying to improve democracy—he’s trying to destroy it. He’s worried that Californians are waking up, that conservative voices are growing louder, and that the people are beginning to push back against his failed leadership.

But here’s the truth: the Constitution does not allow politicians to change election laws just because it helps their party win. The rule of law, the voice of the people, and the principle of free and fair elections must come before any party’s desire for power. If Newsom succeeds in this gerrymander, it sets a dangerous precedent—not just for California, but for the entire country. If Democrats can shred the rules in one state, they will try to do it in every state.

Even worse, this isn’t the first time Democrats have played games with the so-called “independent” commission. Back in 2011, ProPublica exposed how Democrat front groups tricked the commission by pretending to be regular citizens. They pushed for district lines that helped their party, all while pretending it was fair and neutral. That’s not democracy—that’s deception. And now, Newsom wants to take it even further by removing even the appearance of fairness.

Make no mistake: this is about power, plain and simple. Newsom wants to look like a national leader. He wants to run for president someday. But instead of earning the trust of voters through leadership, he wants to cheat his way to more influence by rigging elections at home.

We the People must not let that happen. The power belongs to us—not to the politicians in Sacramento. Every voter, no matter their party, should be outraged by this grab for control. Today it’s Republican districts. Tomorrow it could be yours. The only way to stop this is to speak up, vote no, and demand accountability.

We live in a republic, not a dictatorship. If Gavin Newsom can’t win elections fairly, he has no business leading anything—let alone trying to run the country someday. Californians must stand strong, defend their Constitution, and protect their voice at the ballot box. Our freedom depends on it.