John,

This week, Texas Republicans began redrawing their congressional maps to rig the system and protect their grip on power.

At Donald Trump’s direction, Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans are plotting to eliminate multiple Democratic seats — part of a larger, coordinated strategy to gerrymander their way to a House majority in 2026.

Let’s be clear: gerrymandering in red states isn’t new. But what’s happening now is more brazen, more sweeping, and undermines the very foundations of our representative democracy.

We know exactly why they’re doing this. Trump’s approval rating just hit a new low. Republicans see the writing on the wall. And they know that if fair maps remain, they’re likely to lose the House.

Here in California, we do things differently. Since 2010, we’ve led the way with an independent redistricting commission that puts fairness and community ahead of politics. It’s a model other states should follow.

But if Texas moves forward with this power grab, California Democrats must be ready to respond — and I’ll be ready to lead that fight.

That may include redrawing our own maps. And if that puts my seat in a more competitive district, so be it. I’ve won tough races before, and I’ll do it again if it helps us take back the House.

But I can’t do it alone. We need to start building now to push back against this Republican power grab, protect vulnerable incumbents, and flip the House next November.

Will you chip in $25, $50, or whatever you can to help us fight back and defend our democracy?

I hope you’ll join me in this fight.

Be well,

Dr. Ami Bera