Report: Newsom-led congressional redraw would target five Republicans

PAUL PRESTONxd
Aug 6
2 min read

AENN

August 5, 2025

California only has 9 Republicans in Congress out of 52 seats. The Democrats have 43 seats. A draft map currently being circulated could take that number down to 4.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan for mid-decade redistricting in response to similar efforts in Texas could reportedly result in Republicans losing five seats.

According to a report from the Associated Press, a draft plan that is circulating specifically targets five districts currently represented by Republicans, including Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford).

The big picture: Per the report, the plan would aim to give Democrats 48 of California’s 52 Congressional seats, up from the 43 seats Democrats currently hold.

The draft plan specifically targets Representatives Ken Calvert (R–Corona), Darrell Issa (R–Escondido), Kevin Kiley (R–Rocklin), Valadao and Doug LaMalfa (R–Richvale).
Democrat-held districts in Orange County, San Diego County and the Central Valley would also be shored up to help Democrats in the plan.

Zoom in: Valadao is already accustomed to facing a more difficult district due to redistricting and overcoming the odds.

Redistricting ahead of the 2022 election gave Democrats a 17-point edge in voter registration over Republicans, but Valadao beat former Asm. Rudy Salas (D–Bakersfield) by three points.
He went on to defeat Salas in a rematch last year by nearly seven points even though Democrats held a 13-point advantage.
Aside from Valadao, Calvert appears to be the most vulnerable Republican. Republicans only have a 1.72% advantage in voter registration in District 41. He was reelected last year by 3.4 points.
Issa and LaMalfa both currently enjoy districts with double-digit leads for Republicans, while Kiley’s Third District has Republicans with a 6.28-point lead over Democrats. Kiley was reelected last year by 11 points.

What we’re watching: Newsom has previously said that the Legislature will draw new district lines that will go to the voters in a special election for approval in November.