LOS ANGELES, Aug 22 — Texas, under Republican control, and California, governed by Democrats, advanced yesterday in their efforts to establish new congressional maps, engaging in a fierce competition to influence the results of the upcoming US midterm elections.
LOS ANGELES, Aug 22 — Texas, under Republican control, and California, governed by Democrats, advanced yesterday in their efforts to establish new congressional maps, engaging in a fierce competition to influence the results of the upcoming US midterm elections.
The conflict between the two largest states in the country was initiated by President Donald Trump’s efforts to safeguard the slim Republican majority in the US House of Representatives and to prevent entanglement in investigations by the Democratic Party starting in 2027.
Under pressure from Trump, Texas initiated a conflict that pro-democracy activists caution may extend across the country. On Wednesday, its state house sanctioned new congressional boundaries that are expected to create five additional Republican districts.
The state senate is anticipated to approve the bill this morning and forward it to Governor Greg Abbott for his signature.
California Governor Gavin Newsom — a leading candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination — responded with a proposal for a new district map that would potentially negate Texas by incorporating five additional Democratic seats.
Yesterday, the legislature of the state approved the plan with significant majorities in both the house and the senate, which are under Democratic control.
"Speaker Robert Rivas stated, shortly before the vote, that we will not allow our political system to be overtaken by authoritarianism."
"Today, we empower every Californian to reject... Donald Trump’s attempt to seize power and affirm our commitment to our people, our state, and our democracy."
Voters will now be inquired whether they wish to temporarily modify constituency boundaries for elections, extending to and including the year 2030.
The Texas House has sanctioned its newly established district boundaries following a two-week saga initiated by Democrats who left the state in an attempt to obstruct the vote and to highlight the matter of partisan redistricting, commonly referred to as "gerrymandering."
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting approved the new map with a 5-3 vote during Thursday's lunch session, setting the stage for a vote by the entire chamber on Friday.
Redistricting typically takes place every ten years, considering the population shifts recorded in the most recent census.
Holding onto authority
The atypical initiative in Texas during the mid-decade is anticipated to ignite a reciprocal conflict, which may involve liberal-leaning states such as Illinois and New York, as well as conservative states including Florida, Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri.
"The Great State of Missouri is officially IN," Trump declared yesterday via social media, in a message interpreted as a reference to redistricting.
I am not astonished. This is an exceptional State with wonderful individuals. I achieved victory there, all three times, by a significant margin. We are poised to win the Midterms in Missouri once more, larger and more successful than ever before!
However, New York's Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul referred to the initiative as the "final breath of a desperate party holding onto power," cautioning Trump that she would "confront him on the same battlefield and defeat him at his own game."
Former President Barack Obama characterized California's response as a "smart and measured" retaliation against the anti-democratic actions of Trump.
"Given that Texas is following the lead of a partisan White House and engaging in gerrymandering during the middle of a decade to preserve the House in light of their unpopular policies, I hold great admiration for the approach taken by Governor Newsom," he stated.
Newsom faces a more challenging task than Abbott in advancing the redistricting plans, as California voters must first consent in a referendum in November to circumvent the independent commission that typically oversees the process.
Californians have historically been cautious regarding partisan redistricting. Although Democrats have advocated for independent commissions across the country, a recent poll conducted by Politico-UC Berkeley Citrin Centre indicates that they would be willing to make an exception in response to the situation in Texas.
Republicans are filing a lawsuit against Democrats, claiming that the vote in November would be illegal, despite the California Supreme Court dismissing an initial challenge late Wednesday.
"Indeed, we shall combat fire with fire. Certainly, we will resist. The issue is no longer whether we engage in hardball tactics — it is now a matter of how we execute those tactics," Newsom stated during a conference call with journalists. — AFP
WASHINGTON, Aug 25 — SpaceX has called off a scheduled test flight for its Starship megarocket on Sunday, citing the need for additional time to address issues, marking yet another setback for Elon Musk’s colossal project following a string of explosive failures.
WASHINGTON, Aug 25 — SpaceX has called off a scheduled test flight for its Starship megarocket on Sunday, citing the need for additional time to address issues, marking yet another setback for Elon Musk’s colossal project following a string of explosive failures.
CARACAS, Aug 25 — Ninety fashion enthusiasts displayed garments made of lace, denim, cotton, satin, and recycled materials in a diverse "battle of outfits" on Saturday at Venezuela’s National Art Gallery in Caracas, defying traditional fashion norms and celebrating their "unique" identities.