California Democrats may have successfully muscled a new congressional map through the state legislature this week, but the redistricting fight in the Golden State is only just beginning.

California voters will be asked in a Nov. 4 special election to waive the state’s independent redistricting process and approve new partisan congressional maps that favor Democrats. California’s ballot measure is the latest volley in a national political brawl that could alter the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections and the balance of power in the U.

The battle over redistricting is playing out in the country’s two largest states. Texas and California passed redistricting efforts this week that counter each other. David Goodman and Laurel Rosenhall explain how redistricting is playing out in both states and what the final outcome could look like.

Parents of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro face murder charges as San Bernardino authorities continue search for the Southern California child.

The parents of a Southern California baby, reported missing by his mother, have been arrested and accused of murder, authorities said Friday. San Bernardino County sheriff's homicide detectives arrested Jake Haro, 32, and Rebecca Haro, 41, at their home in Cabazon and booked them on suspicion of murder, according to the department.

Rebecca and Jake Haro, the parents of Emmanuel Haro, were arrested at their home in Cabazon, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a Facebook post. Cabazon is an unincorporated community in Riverside County, approximately 20 miles from Palm Springs.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs legislation setting November election on US House map designed to boost Democrats

California lawmakers voted mostly along party lines Thursday to approve legislation calling for the special election. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has led the campaign in favor of the map, then quickly signed it — the latest step in a tit-for-tat gerrymandering battle.