State Legislators’ Redistricting Rush Begins

California lawmakers return to the state capitol today, and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s added a snap round of redistricting on to what was already a lengthy legislative to-do list.

Newsom wants lawmakers to finalize plans for a statewide Nov. 4 special election to get voters’ approval for new congressional maps, which aim to offset Republican gains from an expected round of redistricting in Texas. He kicked off his ballot measure campaign last week.

Now it’s up to state lawmakers to make that a reality.

California legislators released draft maps Friday that could help Democrats pick up five seats currently held by ...