City Council Meeting – Council Member Items Report
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
City Council
Gracey Van Der Mark, Council Woman
September 2, 2025
Request for Resolution in Opposition to Governor Newsom’s Special Election on Redistricting
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
ISSUE STATEMENT
On August 21, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation calling for a special election to waive the state’s independent redistricting process and approve new partisan congressional maps that favor one party over another.
Governor Newsom’s attempt to alter the House of Representatives is blatantly partisan and contrary to the history of allowing the Independent Redistricting Commission to determine congressional maps. The Independent Redistricting Commission was approved by the state voters and selects districts via a detailed, comprehensive process. There is no legitimate need to change this process.
Governor Newsom’s blatant attempt to revoke the will of the voters is unnecessary political theatre and is contrary to the will of the voters and the spirit of the California Constitution. The State of California is in financial crisis and to add the exorbitant cost, with some estimates exceeding $200 million, of this unnecessary special election is the epitome of poor leadership and fiscal mismanagement, especially when public safety, homelessness services and many other essential issues urgently need additional funding.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct the City Manager to draft a resolution for City Council approval in opposition to Governor Newsom’s special election regarding redistricting and bring the resolution back for consideration on September 16, 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Not applicable- Administrative Item