"We divide fewer cities, fewer communities are more compact, but we also identify five seats held by republicans that likely could be electing a democrat if these maps were adopted," explains Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, who represents the 18th District.
New maps were released on Friday, and changes to Valley districts include seats occupied by republicans, mostly impacting the district currently represented by David Valadao.
RELATED: Valley congress seats could change under newly revealed California Congressional maps
Democrats are aiming to counter actions in Texas to reshape their voting maps in favor of republicans.
"We took a look at whether we should respond, and we decided as a delegation that we could not just stand there and allow Trump to distort the next election and continue to harm people whom we represent. We have looked and identified a map that is consistent with what we believe in," mentions Congresswoman Lofgren.
Democrats are calling President Donald Trump's efforts in Texas illegal, while California republicans are calling Assembly Democrats' actions a violation of the state constitution, which calls for redistricting every 10 years by a non-partisan commission.
That work was completed in 2020.
"What California is doing is playing corruption and using issues in other states to rig our election. There is no legal basis, and the media needs to expose that," mentions Assemblymember David Tangipa, with District 8, which covers parts of Fresno, Madera and Mariposa.
RELATED: California releases first draft of redrawn congressional district maps
"These politicians are putting our state through a political circus in order to seize power for themselves. You have vote trading going on here, you have a violation of the state constitution on multiple fronts, and there needs to be a penalty," expresses Assemblymember Carl DeMaio with District 75, which covers parts of San Diego County.
Republican Assembly members are urging voters to read and be well aware of what they are voting on, while also criticizing Gov. Gavin Newsom's efforts in redistricting.
"He is not addressing the cost-of-living prices in California. He is not addressing the homeless crisis in California. He is not dealing with failing schools in California. Every issue that matters to Californians has been put to the side so he and other politicians can seize back power from the citizens so that they climb the office ladder," Assemblymember DeMaio continues. "Make no mistake about it: the reason why we are here today is that Gov. Gavin Newsom's failing presidential campaign needs a little boost and free earned media. This guy has failed his state, and he wants to create a sideshow so that he can run for president. Several of our colleagues want to run for Congress, so they want new districts to be drawn so they walk right into a congressional seat."
The Assembly could vote on pushing forward the redistricting maps this week.
If passed, a special election could happen on November 4.
It would require a two-thirds vote to pass.
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