Opinion: California Must Resist MAGA Redistricting Tactics

A Call for Democratic Renewal in California

The Gospel of Matthew 5:38-39 teaches a powerful lesson about responding to evil with compassion and non-resistance. In the context of modern politics, this verse serves as a reminder that true strength lies not in escalating conflict, but in fostering peace and justice. If California’s ruling Democrats were wise, they would use this moment to introduce reforms that enhance democracy — and might even increase Republican representation in the state legislature and Congressional delegation.

Instead, Governor Gavin Newsom and his allies are leading the state into a contest of anti-democratic tactics with MAGA Republicans. This competition focuses on which side can best exploit legislative power and the redistricting process to lock up as many Congressional seats as possible in the 2026 elections. However, this approach is not only misguided but also dangerous.

Why the Current Strategy Is Flawed

First, it won’t work. Republicans control more state legislatures (28) than Democrats (18), giving them more opportunities to gerrymander in their favor. Escalating the gerrymandering fight is likely to add to Democratic losses. Second, it's legally and constitutionally risky. California’s independent citizens redistricting commission, which draws lines based on keeping communities together rather than politics, was approved by voters and is popular. By gerrymandering, Newsom would replace that commission’s maps, risking court challenges and potential legal consequences.

Even worse, using anti-democratic tactics against Trump validates his authoritarianism. The fight against Trump shouldn’t become just another partisan battle between Democrats and Republicans. Instead, it must be framed as a fight between democratic self-government and a would-be dictator.

A Path Forward: Enhancing Democracy

To win this contest, California must demonstrate that it is a leader — a responsible global actor, relentlessly committed to freedom and democracy, despite attacks from the fascist American government. Newsom’s gerrymandering gambit diminishes California, making it look like just another larger state with a dominant political party using its might to determine election outcomes.

So, what should California do instead? The only way to beat the awful MAGA authoritarians is by enhancing democracy — and showing a commitment to empowering the people, even if it brings your side political costs. A true democracy is one where even the political losers feel like winners.

Two Reforms That Could Make a Difference

First, California and its Democrats should enact proportional representation, the fairest way to divide up legislative seats. Right now, Republicans get about 40% of the votes for Congress and the legislature in California, but they have less than one quarter of the representatives. That’s because the current winner-take-all system awards each legislative district only one representative. A proportional system would allocate representation based on voting percentage, giving the GOP 40% of the seats, nearly doubling the percentage of today’s Republican minorities in the legislature and Congress.

Second, California should combine proportional representation with the elimination of rules that make it hard for smaller political parties to form and compete in politics. By its nature, this change would reduce the number of Democrats. But it would also reduce the power of MAGA, since Republicans who don’t like Trump could leave and form separate parties.

The Need for Courage and Creativity

While Newsom and other Democrat politicians obsess about gerrymandering and its effects on their own political careers, they are failing to provide Californians with the protections we need right now. The state has done far too little to protect against major budget cuts from Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and to replace lost services from DOGE’s dismantling of federal agencies. California’s state and local law enforcement officers are failing to investigate and hold accountable the federal agents kidnapping people on our streets, and the Trump appointees ordering these lawless measures.

Meanwhile, we’re seeing very little courage and creativity from California leaders on how we might go on offense. Why aren’t we building more agencies to replace dismantled federal departments? Why aren’t we taking the fiscal fight to Trump by seizing federal property or organizing tax strikes? Where are the movements and initiatives to establish legal autonomy for the state? Or make preparations to escape the U.S., and become our own country?

The Real Path to Victory

Here’s my theory on why California leaders aren’t working hard to protect us: Fear. They fear the consequences to their own freedom and safety if they were to challenge the vindictive Trump regime. It’s much safer to pursue a gerrymandering strategy that won’t work.

What will? The only real path to lasting victory over Trump requires boosting our courage and our democracy.