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.

L yle Menendez will remain in prison after the California parole board rejected his bid for freedom on Friday night, a day after officials rejected his brother's release. The pair must wait three more years until their next parole hearing.