Redistricting in California could turn some of the state’s most competitive districts into more reliably Democratic ones. But Democrats said they’re not changing their campaign strategy in the state just yet.
A spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said its investments in candidates’ campaigns and messaging will largely remain untouched for now.
“Until and after California voters make their voices heard, we are focused on winning back the House,” DCCC spokesperson Anna Elsasser said in a statement. “We are confident that our candidates’ track record of getting things done for their communities puts them in the best position to win.”
That includes frontline districts like the one held by Rep. Josh Harder, who is set to face off against former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln after narrowly defeating the Republican in 2024. Harder’s campaign said redistricting isn’t changing its campaign strategy either.
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“The last thing people want right now is more political games,” a spokesperson forHarder’s campaign told NOTUS, emphasizing the lawmaker’s focus on issues like lowering energy costs, protecting water supply and supporting first responders.
Fellow California frontliner Rep. Derek Tran’s campaign strategy also will remain unchanged regardless of what his district ends up looking like, according to a source familiar with Tran’s campaign operation who requested anonymity to discuss reelection plans.
“Not much is shifting in our campaign strategy,” the source said, adding that Tran’s district “isn’t changing all that much” if voters approve the new congressional map this fall.
Until recently, Tran was preparing for a potential rematch: He narrowly beat his former Republican challenger, former Rep. Michelle Steel, in the 2024 elections and was expected to run against her again until she dropped her congressional bid earlier this month.
Tran’s district would go from leaning Democratic to safe Democratic under the new map, according to Politico.
The California state Legislature approved a redistricting package last week in response to Texas Republicans’ efforts to redraw their state’s map. Texas Republicans designed their new map based on President Donald Trump’s desire to add more Republican seats to the House of Representatives and ensure his party maintains control of the chamber.
The California Legislature’s package set up a ballot initiative that, if passed this November, would temporarily sidestep the independent commission charged with drawing congressional maps in the state. The new map would give Democrats five additional safe House seats.
Lincoln, whose chances could be hurt by the new mas, is waiting for the outcome of the special election before making any major campaign decisions, a source familiar with his campaign operation told NOTUS.
Lincoln is considering running in the new version of California’s 13th Congressional District if the new map passes, added the source, who requested anonymity because Lincoln’s campaign hasn’t taken a public position on California redistricting. Lincoln’s campaign believes he is in “a unique position because he has congressional seats to run that are both competitive.”
“They’re both winnable seats,” the source said.
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