Jeremia Kimelman / CalMatters

California’s independent redistricting commission is struggling to finish new congressional maps. While its deliberations are contentious, Texas is being sued over its maps, pushed through by the Republican legislature and governor.

California’s citizens redistricting commission is designed to be nonpartisan, but its final congressional and legislative maps could change party politics. This week, the commission is reviewing lots of public comments and considering potential changes.

On March 19, 2020 Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a statewide shelter-in-place order. In response to an unprecedented public health threat, it was an equally unprecedented shuttering of day-to-day life.