Could California redistricting cost Inland Rep. Ken Calvert re-election?
whittierdailynews.com -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 12:56:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: State Politics & Governors, Public Opinion & Polling, Foreign Policy & International Relations
"Hit Me With Your Best Shot" is a 1980s classic and an apt theme song for Ken Calvert's political career.
For 30 years, the Corona Republican has consistently won reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives despite Democrats' best efforts -- and millions of dollars spent -- to unseat him.
RELATED: What is redistricting? Your questions about maps, California's feud with Texas and more, answered
But redrawn congressional districts expected to be unveiled in the coming days might pose Calvert's biggest challenge yet.
The maps, offered by California Democrats in response to Texas' redistricting efforts to give the GOP more House seats, are expected to put Calvert in a bluer district, worsening his 2026 reelection odds when Democrats have a decent -- if not strong -- chance of winning control of Congress.
Not surprisingly, Calvert, the Inland Empire's longest-serving congressmember, isn't a fan of the new maps, blasting them as a partisan power grab that erases the 2021 work of an independent redistricting commission approved by voters.
"I think once people understand ... what's being orchestrated behind closed doors in Sacramento to take power away from the people and replace it with gerrymandered maps that would benefit (Democrats) and their political allies, I don't think the voters in California are going to go along with it," Calvert said Thursday, Aug. 14.
California Democrats, who hold a legislative supermajority, all statewide elected offices and most of the Golden State's House seats, are seeking a November special election asking voters to sign off on the new maps.
Calvert lamented the election's cost, sharing a letter from the Riverside County Registrar of Voters. In it, officials said countywide special elections typically cost $15 million to $16 million.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders defend the redrawn districts, saying the state can't stay idle while red states like Texas draw new maps to keep Republicans in power.
"This is about fairness, accountability, and protecting our democracy from partisan power grabs," Riverside County Democratic Party Chair Joy Silver said in a news release.
"Our country desperately needs a check on Donald Trump's power," she added. "If Texas and other Republican-held states try to rig the rules to send more MAGA extremists to Washington next year, California has a duty to the country to stand up and act."
Asked about what's happening in Texas, Calvert said: "I have no control of what people do in Texas ... Every state has their own process."
He added: "Texas is following their state law and what the Democrats are proposing here in California is basically taking an axe to the state constitution in order to do what they want to do."
Democrats insist they're not trying to kill the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, created through a voter-approved 2011 ballot measure. The commission includes Democrats, Republicans and independents and legally can't factor partisan politics into mapmaking.
Prior to that, the legislature redrew political districts following each census, a process critics argue is vulnerable to gerrymandering or the use of redistricting to benefit political parties.
He ran in California's 41st Congressional District, which represents much of Riverside County including Calimesa, Canyon Lake, Indian Wells, Lake Elsinore, La Quinta, Menifee, Norco, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Wildomar and parts of Corona, Eastvale and Riverside.
Calvert's previous district was more GOP-friendly than the 41st, which has a near-even voter registration split between Republicans and Democrats. Since 2022, the 41st has been considered a swing district in a battle for the House of Representatives that comes down to a handful of seats nationwide.
Democrats and their allies spent big supporting Will Rollins, who narrowly lost to Calvert in 2022 and 2024. Roughly half a dozen Democrats -- but not Rollins -- have announced plans to run against Calvert in 2026.
A new map could put Calvert, who plans to seek reelection, in an even bluer district than the 41st. Like the vast majority of House Republicans, Calvert backs the president through his words and votes, a potential liability in a state where Trump is widely unpopular.
Calvert's current district "isn't all that hospitable to Republicans, but he has benefited from the power of incumbency and Republican-leaning independents," Marcia Godwin, a professor of public administration at the University of La Verne, said via email.
"His reelection could hinge more on its status as a referendum on Trumpism than who he faces as an opponent."
Calvert's best chances, Godwin said, "would be if somehow Texas backs down from its own redistricting plans. No longer having (Californian and former House speaker) Kevin McCarthy in Congress will make it even more difficult for California Republicans to persuade their co-partisans to back down."
Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, has introduced legislation that would bar any state from redrawing its congressional districts mid-decade. Calvert said he supports Kiley's bill, but doubts it has the votes to pass the Senate.
For his part, Calvert believes he'll be running in the 41st as it's currently drawn.
"I think we have an excellent chance of defeating this political ploy by the governor and the state legislature," he said.
He pointed to a POLITICO poll revealing that Californians prefer, by a roughly 2-to-1 margin, the citizens redistricting commission over letting the legislature draw maps.
A peer-reviewed study by UC Riverside political science professor Shawn Bowler found Americans view gerrymandering "with the same disdain they reserve for bribery and other blatant forms of political corruption," a UCR news release states.
Calvert did not rule out legal action to block new congressional maps in California.
"We're going to do everything we can to protect the integrity of the state constitution," he said.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent developments in California's redistricting process, particularly as they pertain to the future of Republican Congressman Ken Calvert, underscore a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for political representation and fairness in the electoral system. The redrawing of congressional maps in response to Republican-led gerrymandering efforts in states like Texas brings to light the broader implications of such actions for democracy and political accountability. The dichotomy between the strategies employed by the two major parties in this context reflects a historical narrative of power dynamics that has long shaped American politics.
Historically, redistricting is a process that has often been manipulated by those in power to maintain their hold on political office. The term “gerrymandering” itself originates from the early 19th century, when Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a bill that created a district shaped like a salamander to benefit his party. This practice has been a tool for entrenching power, particularly for the GOP in the contemporary era. The Republican Party has employed such tactics extensively in various states, aiming to create districts that dilute the voting power of marginalized communities. By contrast, California’s current redistricting efforts are an attempt to counteract this trend and ensure more equitable representation. The Democrats' approach to redistricting is framed not merely as a partisan maneuver but as a necessary correction to a system that has been skewed by the aggressive tactics of Republicans in other states.
Calvert’s response to the redistricting proposal, framing it as a “partisan power grab,” reflects a common defensive posture among incumbents facing potential challenges. However, it is crucial to scrutinize the deeper implications of such claims. When Calvert argues that the new maps threaten the integrity of the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission established by California voters in 2011, he overlooks the reality that power dynamics have shifted significantly since then. The growing concentration of Republican influence in states like Texas, facilitated by their own gerrymandering, necessitates a proactive response to maintain a balance in representation. This situation highlights how the struggle for fair representation is not merely about party interests but about ensuring that every voice is heard in a democracy that is increasingly at risk of being undermined by extreme partisanship.
Moreover, the financial implications of the proposed special election, as pointed out by Calvert, should not detract from the larger objectives at stake. While the cost of conducting elections can indeed be significant, it is essential to recognize that investing in democracy is a foundational element of a healthy society. The price of inaction—the entrenchment of a one-party system, the marginalization of diverse voices, and the potential erosion of democratic norms—far outweighs the financial costs of a special election. By framing the conversation around fiscal responsibility, Calvert seeks to divert attention from the pressing need to address systemic inequities in representation.
The urgency expressed by Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Riverside County Democratic Party Chair Joy Silver, reinforces the notion that the stakes are high. They frame the redistricting effort as part of a broader fight to protect democracy from the encroachment of extremist ideologies, particularly those aligned with figures like Donald Trump. This connection to historical struggles for civil rights and equitable representation is vital. The fight against gerrymandering is not just about partisan politics; it is about safeguarding the principles of justice, equity, and accountability that define a functioning democracy. In this context, the actions taken by California’s Democratic leadership can be seen as a necessary means to counteract the negative externalities of Republican strategies that prioritize power over the public good.
In conclusion, the unfolding redistricting situation in California provides a critical lens through which to examine the broader struggles for representation and democracy in the United States. As the landscape of American politics continues to evolve, it is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and engaged. The historical context of gerrymandering, the implications of partisan power plays, and the necessity of fair representation all converge in this moment. Engaging in discussions about these topics equips individuals to challenge narratives that seek to undermine the integrity of democratic processes, reminding us that the pursuit of justice and equity in representation is a collective responsibility that transcends party lines.
The ongoing debate surrounding California's redistricting efforts highlights a crucial moment in American politics, particularly as it pertains to the balance of power in the House of Representatives. Representative Ken Calvert, who has held his seat for three decades, finds himself at the center of this contentious issue as new congressional maps threaten to shift the political landscape of his district. The implications of these changes extend beyond Calvert’s re-election prospects; they serve as a reflection of the broader struggle to maintain democratic integrity in a polarized political environment. This situation is emblematic of a tactical response to partisan gerrymandering, as California Democrats seek to counteract the aggressive redistricting strategies being employed in states like Texas.
Historically, redistricting has often been weaponized to entrench power rather than to represent the electorate equitably. The practice of gerrymandering—manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another—has deep roots in American political history. The Citizens Redistricting Commission, established in California following a voter-approved initiative in 2011, was a response to the rampant gerrymandering that had characterized previous decades. However, the current push by California Democrats to redraw congressional maps reflects a recognition that the rules of electoral engagement have changed. As states like Texas strive to manipulate boundaries to secure Republican dominance, California’s leadership is grappling with the necessity of proactive measures to ensure fair representation.
The arguments made by Calvert and other Republicans—that the proposed maps amount to a partisan power grab—underscore a critical double standard in the ongoing political discourse. While vocalizing concerns over fairness, many Republican-led states have actively engaged in gerrymandering to entrench their power. The reaction from Democratic leadership in California, including Governor Gavin Newsom, emphasizes the need to act decisively in the face of these tactics, framing the redistricting initiative as an essential move to safeguard democracy. The assertion that California has a duty to counteract the manipulations of its red-state counterparts is not merely a rallying cry; it is a strategic imperative necessary to protect the democratic process.
As concerned citizens, it is vital to become advocates for transparent and equitable redistricting processes. Engaging with local and state representatives about the importance of maintaining the integrity of independent commissions can foster a political culture that prioritizes accountability. This entails supporting initiatives that ensure public involvement in redistricting efforts and advocating for reforms that reinforce the principles of fair representation. Grassroots campaigns can play a pivotal role in shaping public perceptions and pressuring lawmakers to resist the lure of gerrymandering, promoting instead a commitment to democratic ideals.
Moreover, it is essential to challenge the rhetoric surrounding these political maneuvers. By articulating a coherent narrative that highlights the historical and current implications of gerrymandering, proponents of fair representation can effectively counter arguments that dismiss the necessity of redistricting reforms. Engaging in community forums, writing to local newspapers, and utilizing social media platforms can amplify these discussions, fostering a broader understanding of how redistricting impacts not just electoral outcomes, but the very fabric of American democracy. By confronting these issues head-on, we can collectively work towards a more equitable political landscape that genuinely reflects the will of the people.
In light of the recent developments regarding the redistricting efforts in California, it’s essential to consider how individuals can take meaningful action to support fair representation and uphold democratic values. Here’s a detailed list of ideas and actions you can take:
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Educate Yourself and Others**: Understanding the intricacies of redistricting and its implications on democracy is crucial. Share information about the importance of fair district maps in maintaining representative democracy.
2. **Engage in Local Politics**: Attend local town halls and community meetings to discuss redistricting and express your support for fair mapping initiatives.
3. **Support Redistricting Reform**: Advocate for the protection and enhancement of independent redistricting commissions.
### Exact Actions to Take
1. **Sign Petitions**: - **Fair Maps California**: Support initiatives aimed at protecting fair district mapping. You can find petitions by visiting their website: [Fair Maps California](https://www.fairmapsca.org). - **Example Petition**: Search for specific petitions related to the current redistricting situation as new initiatives may arise frequently.
2. **Contact Elected Officials**: - **Write to Governor Gavin Newsom**: - **Email**: governor@gov.ca.gov - **Mailing Address**: Governor Gavin Newsom 1021 O Street, Suite 900 Sacramento, CA 95814 - **Message Sample**: "Dear Governor Newsom, I urge you to support fair and equitable redistricting processes in California. Protect the integrity of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission and ensure that district maps reflect the voices of all Californians."
3. **Reach Out to Your Local Representative**: - Look up your local representative’s contact details on the California State Assembly or U.S. House of Representatives website. - **Sample Message**: "Dear [Representative's Name], I am writing to express my support for fair redistricting in California. It is vital that we prioritize democracy and representation over partisan interests. Please advocate for transparency and fairness in the upcoming redistricting efforts."
4. **Participate in Local Advocacy Groups**: - Join organizations like the **League of Women Voters** or **Common Cause California**, which actively promote fair redistricting and voter engagement. - Attend their meetings or volunteer for campaigns that align with your values.
5. **Engage on Social Media**: - Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to raise awareness about redistricting issues. Share articles, write your thoughts, and encourage others to get involved.
6. **Organize Community Events**: - Host information sessions or workshops in your community to discuss the importance of fair redistricting and educate others on how they can take action.
7. **Vote in Special Elections**: - Stay informed about upcoming special elections related to redistricting and participate by voting. Make sure your voice is heard by supporting candidates and measures that prioritize fair representation.
By taking these actionable steps, you can play a part in ensuring that democratic processes in California remain fair and transparent. Engaging with your community, advocating for reform, and making your voice heard through petitions and communications with elected officials are vital components in the fight for equitable representation.