BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — As the deadline for California lawmakers to release a draft of new congressional maps approaches this Friday, a heated political debate is unfolding over the implications of redistricting and who should control the process.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a measure to allow California to redraw its congressional districts, reacting to recent actions in Republican-led Texas, where maps were redrawn to favor one party.

This proposal has sparked concerns among political strategists and civil rights organizations about potential impacts on minority representation and the balance of political power.

Tal Eslick, a political strategist, expressed concerns about Newsom's proposal, stating, "We attempted as a state to capture the diverse sort of nature of our state and cover all the communities represented within the state."

He believes that Newsom's plan could undermine the independent Citizens' Redistricting Commission, which was established during former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's term to draw legislative districts independently of the state legislature.

Eslick warned, "I think voters should be very open-eyed about what's happening. This is a clear and direct attempt to draw congressional maps to benefit one political party. In this case, in California, it's the Democratic Party."

The Dolores Huerta Foundation, a civil rights organization, has been a strong advocate for fair and equitable district maps, particularly in California's Central Valley.

The foundation has previously taken legal action to ensure fair representation, such as their 2018 lawsuit against the Kern High School District and the Kern County Board of Supervisors over district maps.

Eslick emphasized the importance of minority districts, saying, "You could make the case that Kings County is better positioned as a result of having three different members of Congress represent a portion of Kings County."

Since the Citizens' Redistricting Commission is a constitutional provision, Newsom would need both the Assembly and State Senate to approve his plan by a two-thirds majority before it could be put to a vote in a special election in November.