Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R–Santa Clarita) has issued a statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent announcement regarding changes to California’s redistricting process. The governor revealed his plan at a press conference, proposing an approach that would move away from the current system overseen by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission.
The commission, established through a voter-approved initiative, was designed to draw congressional district lines in a manner intended to be impartial and free from political influence. It is mandated by the state constitution and aims to ensure transparency and fairness in how districts are mapped.
“California has a voter-mandated, non-partisan redistricting method that is intended to ensure a fair and transparent process AND is enshrined in the California Constitution,” said Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares. “Not a concern for Governor Newsom! He is moving full speed with his politically motivated plan to upend that process with biased lines drawn behind closed doors by politicians and political consultants. That’s not leadership, that’s voter betrayal.”
Senator Valladares characterized the governor’s proposal as an attempt to undermine established safeguards against political interference in redistricting. She called on members of the public who wish to comment on the governor’s plan to send their input via email at selc@sen.ca.gov.
