Gavin Newsom and California Democrats want to blow an estimated $250 million of taxpayer money on a special election to redraw the state’s congressional districts. With their supermajority, they should have no trouble pushing it through as soon as the Legislature reconvenes later this month.
By working to hold this special election, sidelining the constitutionally-mandated Citizens’ Redistricting Commission, and ignoring 40-year-old California Supreme Court precedent, Newsom is sending a clear message to Californians: politicians will pick their voters — not the other way around — effectively silencing anyone who believes in fair representation.
If approved, the special election will be held on November 4, leaving just 12 weeks for Californians who care about turning the state around to mobilize and fight the effort. Here’s how they can do just that.
The Republican Ground Game: From Grassroots to Statewide
Defeating this power grab won’t happen from fancy offices or press releases. The fight must be anchored in local action, turning every county, every community, and every neighborhood into a hub of resistance.
That means mobilizing:
- County GOP Committees — Coordinate voter registration, local events, and community outreach.
- California Republican Assembly (CRA) Chapters — Mobilize communities through grassroots organizing and meaningful local engagement.
- Republican Women Federated Chapters — Lead community conversations and connect through family and neighborhood networks.
- Young Republicans & College Republicans Chapters — Engage younger voters on the ground and online.
- Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Chapters — Bring grassroots activism to campuses.
- NRA & California Rifle & Pistol Association Chapters — Activate constitutional rights advocates to defend political fairness.
These organizations already exist — the challenge is uniting and focusing their efforts.
At the same time, we are fortunate to have Assemblyman Carl DeMaio leading a 2026 ballot initiative to require government-issued photo ID to vote, proof of citizenship for registration, and to limit mail-in ballots to those who specifically request them — key reforms that strengthen election integrity and build momentum for fair elections.
Joining forces with this effort builds a coalition that reaches beyond Republicans to independents and Democrats demanding fair, transparent elections.
Messaging That Breaks Through Partisan Walls
Winning this fight requires more than preaching to the choir. The message must reach every Californian who believes their vote matters.
This isn’t just about lines on a map. It’s about whether California belongs to its people or an entrenched political machine locking the doors behind them.
- “Democracy or Monopoly?” — Expose the lie that this power grab protects democracy. It’s designed to crush competition and rig elections before a single ballot is cast.
- “Power to the People, Not the Politicians” — Remind voters that elections belong to them, not career politicians manipulating districts for their own gain.
Words alone won’t win. Every message must ignite action that reaches voters where they live and work, turning frustration into unstoppable momentum.
A 12-Week Execution Plan
Twelve weeks stand between California and a stolen future. This window is enough — if every effort is focused and relentless.
With that in mind, two fronts are critical:
- Mobilize Republicans: Align every GOP group to deliver a single, powerful message and move as one.
- Win Independents and Open-Minded Democrats: Frame this fight as a battle for voter rights, election integrity, and accountability — not just partisan politics.
DeMaio’s voter ID initiative plays a crucial role in this effort. Its petition drives and outreach efforts expand the movement’s reach, engaging voters beyond traditional Republican strongholds and building broader support for election integrity.
In the coming weeks, every Republican group and activist should:
- Speak with one voice across neighborhoods and digital platforms.
- Build alliances with civic groups and election integrity advocates to expand influence.
- Use boots-on-the-ground tactics and sharp social media campaigns to educate, motivate, and mobilize voters.
Executed correctly, this plan will make the power grab impossible to ignore come Election Day and set Republicans on the path to a political comeback in 2026.
The Long Game: Momentum Into 2026
Stopping Newsom and his cronies’ power grab on November 4th is just one battle in a larger fight for California’s political future.
This 12-week sprint can pave a real path to reclaiming congressional seats and winning local offices across the state in 2026. Simultaneously, advancing election integrity reforms, such as voter ID, can restore trust in California’s elections and strengthen every Republican campaign.
This latest fight isn’t just about resistance — it’s about driving Republican momentum into 2026 and rebuilding California right.
