California, Aug. 9 -- California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) announced on Friday (local time) that the state is moving forward with plans to hold a special election in November to approve a ballot measure that would allow Democrats to pass a new House map ahead of 2026. The announcement came as a response to Texas Republicans' efforts to create five pickup opportunities in a new House map, The Hill reported.

"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, according to The Hill.

The governor, joined by several California lawmakers and Texas Democrats who fled their state, emphasized that the move is not aimed...