California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said Friday they were moving forward with plans to hold a special election in November for voters to approve a ballot measure that would ultimately allow Democrats to pass a new House map ahead of 2026.

"We have till Aug. 22. With the leadership behind me, they will get this on the ballot. We're calling for a special election, that will be the first week of November," Newsom said.

The governor — flanked by several California lawmakers, as well as Texas Democrats who fled their state — said they did not want to eliminate the independent redistricting commission in charge of drawing the map.

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