Latest news with #LaMalfa
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map Shows Democratic Plan for New California Districts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California Democrats have unveiled a proposed congressional map that would reshape political boundaries across the state and could give their party up to five new seats. "Earlier today, the DCCC submitted a proposed congressional map to the legislative public portal with collaborative input from stakeholders and legislators. We anticipate this proposal will have widespread support both among California office holders and various stakeholders across the state," Julie Merz, the executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a statement on Friday. "We will not stand by as Republicans attempt to rig the election in their favor and choose their voters. It's increasingly clear that Republicans will do anything to protect their narrow majority because they know they can't win on their disastrous legislative record which has raised costs and rips away health care for millions, all to give the ultra-wealthy a tax break," she continued. Why It Matters Redistricting, usually done once a decade after the Census, is being pushed mid-cycle in response to President Donald Trump's call for Texas to send "five more Republicans" to Congress. Trump urged Texas Republicans to redo the state's districts to help the party. Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, say they are "fighting fire with fire" by proposing new districts that could benefit their party. The move could reshape the 2026 midterms, where Democrats are hoping to retake the House and Senate. What To Know The proposed California redistricting plan targets five Republican representatives: Doug LaMalfa (District 1), Kevin Kiley (District 3), David Valadao (District 22), Ken Calvert (District 41) and Darrell Issa (District 48). LaMalfa's rural district would lose many Republican voters and extend west to more Democratic coastal areas. "If you want to know what's wrong with these maps—just take a look at them," LaMalfa wrote on X on Friday. "How on earth does Modoc County on the Nevada and Oregon Border have any common interest with Marin County and the Golden Gate Bridge? Voters took this power from Sacramento for just this reason. This is naked politics at its worst." Kiley's redrawn district would add Democratic-leaning Sacramento County and cut out much of the Eastern Sierra. "Make no mistake, I will win reelection to the House regardless of the proposed changes to my district," he said in a news release. "I fully expect that the beautiful 3rd District will remain exactly as it is. We will defeat Newsom's sham initiative and vindicate the will of California voters." Kiley has opposed gerrymandering, introducing legislation to block mid-decade redistricting. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Ami Bera, who represents California's 6th congressional district, is weighing options to continue representing Sacramento, possibly by running in District 3. A redistricting map of California that Democrats have submitted. A redistricting map of California that Democrats have submitted. California State Assembly "I have had the honor of representing the Sacramento region in Congress since 2013. I intend to continue representing the Sacramento region in the next Congress," Bera said in a statement posted on X. "Right now, we must stop Donald Trump and Texas Republicans from gerrymandering their way to a House majority in 2026. I look forward to supporting this ballot initiative to level the playing field and fight back against Donald Trump's destructive agenda." Newsom said he would call a special election on November 4 to let Californians decide whether to adopt new congressional districts, a move that would bypass the state's independent redistricting commission. He said the proposal included a trigger clause, meaning it would take effect only if Texas or another Republican-led state advanced its own redistricting plan. California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher criticized the proposed redistricting plan, calling the maps "rigged" and drawn "in secret to give Democrat politicians more power by dismantling the independent commission Californians created." He argued that the plan discarded years of public input, saying, "These maps shred the fair, transparent process voters demanded" and amount to "a rigged scheme cooked up behind closed doors." Gallagher accused Democrats of rushing the plan to meet a deadline, saddling taxpayers with a November special election and leaving "no real opportunity for public input." He added: "This is a mockery of democracy. If they can neuter the commission here, they can neuter it anywhere. Californians should choose their representatives, not the other way around." Newsom has also received criticism from Democrats. Jeanne Raya, a former Democratic member of the commission, voiced concern about transparency. "Somebody's going to be drawing maps, whether behind a real door, a virtual door," she said. "There will not be that transparency that is written into the independent commission's work and voters will suffer for that." Several good-government groups also oppose the governor's proposal, arguing that it politicizes redistricting and undermines the independent commission. Newsom defended the plan, saying it remained transparent because voters would have the final say. Unlike California's proposal, he said, the Texas plan would not go before voters. "We are talking about emergency measures to respond to what's happening in Texas and we will nullify what happens in Texas," Newsom said at a news conference alongside Texas Democrats. "We will pick up five seats with the consent of the people and that is the difference between the approach we're taking and the approach [Texas Republicans are] taking." Other Democratic-led states, such as New York and Illinois, are weighing new redistricting efforts but face legal obstacles or limited opportunities to gain seats. Meanwhile, Republican strongholds such as Ohio, Indiana, Florida and Missouri are seen as having greater potential to expand their representation through redistricting. What People Are Saying Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote on X on Friday: "I'm getting ready for the gerrymandering battle." California Governor Gavin Newsom said during a news conference earlier this month: "We have the opportunity to de facto end the Trump presidency in less than 18 months. That's what's at stake." Julie Merz, the executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee: "We applaud Governor Newsom and legislative leaders for their commitment to put this measure in front of voters, which not only levels the playing field against corrupt Republican efforts in Texas, but also reaffirms Democrats' commitment to redistricting reform and the use of fair, nonpartisan redistricting commissions nationwide." What Happens Next If lawmakers finish the plan by August 22, California voters will decide on November 4 whether to approve maps that would apply in 2026, 2028 and 2030—contingent on Republican-led states redrawing their lines first. Since 2010, California's maps have been drawn by an independent citizen commission.
The Hill
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
California Republican drowned out by boos at town hall
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (Calif.) on Monday became the latest Republican to see a town hall devolve into shouts and jeers as he was peppered with hostile comments over the ' big, beautiful bill,' the Trump administration's immigration moves and other elements of the GOP agenda. At an event in Chico, Calif., LaMalfa's opening remarks were greeted with expletive-laden shrieks and boos. After staff distributed red and green placards to the crowd who packed the local Elks Lodge to register their opinions, the lawmaker repeatedly saw a sea of red. 'No fascism in America,' one man screamed at LaMalfa at the beginning. 'You need to be impeached.' 'I have many concerns, but one of the biggest ones for our area is the cuts to the Medicaid, SNAP, housing vouchers,' one woman said later during the town hall. 'There's this facade that we're not working hard enough and that's why we're trying to get free benefits. Everyone's working as hard as they can even to help their neighbors survive.' LaMalfa was greeted by another angry but smaller-scale crowd later Tuesday at a different town hall in Red Bluff, Calif. He again attempted to defend Trump's agenda, including cuts to Medicaid in the 'big, beautiful bill.' 'It doesn't cut a single dollar from people that do qualify,' he said, arguing that Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D) administration had an obligation to ensure the state's Medi-Cal program was not spent on people who had immigrated illegally to the U.S. 'I think taxpayers work too hard to have their money go to illegal immigration.' As LaMalfa spoke, local news station KRCR captured a man standing at the back of the auditorium, making a mock-talking motion with his hands. He also wore a white shirt depicting Trump in a cage with the words 'Make America Great Again' surrounding it, mocking the president's campaign slogan. A few constituents did come out to support LaMalfa. 'I want to thank you for continuing to defend our rights,' said one woman, who identified herself as a Hispanic immigrant, in Chico. 'To those yelling, I suggest you get a passport and travel. You will see the grass is no greener on the other side. America is still the greatest country in the world.' The lawmaker, who represents a large swath of Northern California, is one of the five Golden State Republicans who could be pushed out of his seat by a Democratic mid-cycle redistricting effort meant to counter potential GOP gains in Texas during the midterms next year. At his Chico town hall, the California Republican said he opposed redistricting efforts in Texas, but argued that his home state's planned retaliation was worse for trying to bypass the state's independent redistricting commission established by voters. 'Texas shouldn't be doing that … this is going to start a grass fire across the country, every single state trying to change it based on a political outcome,' he said. 'California's difference from Texas is that they're going to be trampling the voice of those propositions.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Another Republican Just Got Absolutely Destroyed By Their Own Constituents, And The Video Is Too Good
Another Republican lawmaker has faced a cacophony of boos and jeers when coming face-to-face with the general public to defend President Donald Trump's legislative agenda. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) felt the wrath of constituents over the huge tax and spending bill, the trade war, and the crackdown on immigration when speaking during a town hall in Chico, California, on Monday. Related: Tensions ran so high that LaMalfa, who was reportedly holding his first in-person forum in close to eight years, was repeatedly called a 'liar' when doing his utmost to justify the president's policies. LaMalfa joins a growing cast of GOP politicians who have been given a raucous reception when meeting voters. Earlier this month, Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) was heckled relentlessly when confronted over Medicaid cuts, the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, and ICE detentions. LaMalfa, who represents a large rural area of Northern California, held the town hall despite GOP top brass ordering an end to in-person events because of the rise of so-called 'professional protesters.' Related: A major flashpoint in Chico came when a constituent asked LaMalfa, 'Why are you part of this movement toward fascism?' After LaMalfa asked him to 'stop right there,' the constituent continued with his actual question. He went on: 'If you're not here to announce your resignation, why aren't you here to apologize to the farmers of the North State because of your support for the Trump tariffs?' 'Do you actually want to talk about something productive?' LaMalfa replied, before suggesting the inquiry was 'grandstanding.' Related: Against a backdrop of jeering and a distinct cry of 'You're a loser, Doug,' the congressman outlined how farmers in India had undercut growers in the region, so someone needed to be 'bold enough' to take action on tariffs. 'You're a little loose with the word 'fascism' when there's plenty of it going on on the other side of the aisle,' LaMalfa added, without giving details on the Democratic Party., LaMalfa was also drowned out by boos when delivering the standard Republican line about eliminating 'waste and fraud' to justify cutting Medicaid. @MorePerfectUS / Via Twitter: @MorePerfectUS Related: 'We don't want anybody to be harmed by this effort,' he said. 'Indeed, we want the focus to be on those folks that actually do qualify. And that will be a bigger win for them.' 'You liar!' was one audible response among the dissonance. Also at the town hall, an attendee who said their parents were Holocaust survivors compared Japanese internment camps of World War II to ICE raids and deportations under Trump. 'Will the name LaMalfa be mentioned in the same sentence as [Hitler's propaganda chief Joseph] Goebbels, [Nazi physician Josef] Mengele, and Trump?' the constituent asked. 'I predict no,' LaMalfa replied. Local ABC affiliate, KRCR News Channel 7, has broadcast the town hall in full. @KRCR7 This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in In the News: Also in In the News: Also in In the News:
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Republican Met With Loud Boos, 'Shame' Chants at Town Hall
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Representative Doug LaMalfa, a California Republican, was met with boos and jeers at a town hall meeting on Monday over his support for President Donald Trump. It comes after a series of similar incidents, including one just over a week ago, in which Nebraska Republican Representative Mike Flood faced the public's wrath over several Trump administration policies. Newsweek has contacted LaMalfa's office for comment via email. Why It Matters Town halls have become tense and rowdy affairs for Republicans in recent months, as lawmakers face the scorn of voters over the Trump administration's policies, especially around cuts to Social Security, Medicaid and veterans' health care. Representative Doug LaMalfa speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 15, 2022. Representative Doug LaMalfa speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 15, 2022. Francis Chung/E&E News/POLITICO/AP What To Know LaMalfa faced backlash at the town hall in Chico, a college town 90 miles north of Sacramento, over Trump's economic policies and the administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The roughly 650 attendees at the local Elks Lodge booed, jeered and cursed at LaMalfa, calling him a "liar," an "ahole." At one point, someone yelled, "F**** you!" when the moderator called on an audience member. The crowd also chanted "Shame! Shame! Shame!" at him. The crowd expressed particular anger over the Epstein case after a joint Justice Department and FBI memo last month indicated no further disclosures would be made. One attendee shouted: "You all left, the speaker of the House released you guys so you didn't have to deal with releasing the files," referencing House Speaker Mike Johnson's decision to send lawmakers on recess before voting on a resolution to release more information. LaMalfa acknowledged the criticism, saying: "It's interesting the Epstein situation was not an issue during the Biden administration," which drew more boos and jeers. He also called for "very clear transparency" on the investigation and expressed hope that additional information would be available when Congress reconvenes. "I think it's a bad look to have this information continue to be suppressed, but there's also people involved in the way those files at some level need to be redacted," he added. Frustration also focused on Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend, who was recently moved to a minimum-security Texas prison. One attendee shouted: "She needs to still get her time and be held accountable," which LaMalfa acknowledged. Audience members pressed LaMalfa on broader accountability, asking: "Do you believe that elected officials who knowingly protect and enable criminal behavior, including insurrection, fraud and sexual abuse, should be removed from office?" LaMalfa replied: "Everybody should be held accountable whether you're elected or not if you've done an illegal activity," citing due process for Maxwell and participants in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Attendees shouted: "You should be ashamed of yourself!" and "No!" in response to his answer. The town hall also focused on Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill." Attendees questioned cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and Obamacare, projected to total $1.1 trillion over the next decade. LaMalfa maintained there were "no cuts to the people themselves," prompting someone to shout, "You're lying!" He also faced criticism over Trump's tariffs, particularly their impact on farmers. One audience member asked: "If you're not here to announce your resignation, why aren't you here to apologize to the farmers of the North State because of your support for the Trump tariffs?" LaMalfa responded: "I'm not here to do either, thanks. Do you want to actually talk about something productive?" LaMalfa's town hall is just the latest in a series of heated meetings with constituents that have escalated since Trump took office. Some gatherings have ended with constituents forcibly removed, threatened with arrest or even tased—like at the April town hall held by Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, an action she defended. Weeks prior, National Republican Committee Chairman Michael Whatley advised GOP lawmakers to avoid in-person town halls or hold them virtually. As a result, several Republicans opted not to hold meetings, leaving space for Democrats—including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and California Representative Ro Khanna—to appear at the events, sometimes even outside their home states. Democrats, however, have faced their own confrontations. At a California town hall in April, one frustrated voter told Representative Laura Friedman: "I don't believe that you have pushed hard enough. I don't believe that you have fought hard enough." Meanwhile, some Republicans, including Trump, have dismissed concerns about the trend. In a post on social media in March, he said the heckling was the work of "paid troublemakers." He also claimed that "Radical Left Democrats are paying a fortune to have people infiltrate the Town Halls of Republican Congressmen/women and Senators." Senator Jim Banks skipped a town hall organized by his constituents in Indiana in late March and sent doughnuts to the waiting crowd, which he accused of being Democrats. But polls have shown that voters are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the Trump administration, with the president's approval rating dropping to an all-time low in several recent surveys. And that extends to Republicans, with YouGov/Economist polling showing a sharp decline in Trump's support among members of his own party since January. Polling suggests it is a result of concerns about his handling of the economy. But polls have also shown that Republicans are not satisfied with how the administration has handled the Jeffrey Epstein case. In a YouGov/Economist poll from the beginning of August, 53 percent of Republicans said they believe the government is covering up evidence it has about Epstein. What People Are Saying President Donald Trump, on Truth Social in March: "Paid 'troublemakers' are attending Republican Town Hall Meetings. It is all part of the game for the Democrats, but just like our big LANDSLIDE ELECTION, it's not going to work for them!" What Happens Next Senior Republicans are likely to repeat earlier calls for lawmakers to stop conducting in-person town halls, especially if voter anger intensifies.
Buzz Feed
7 days ago
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
GOP Rep Faces Angry Crowd at Town Hall Meeting
Another Republican lawmaker has faced a cacophony of boos and jeers when coming face-to-face with the general public to defend President Donald Trump's legislative agenda. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) felt the wrath of constituents over the huge tax and spending bill, the trade war, and the crackdown on immigration when speaking during a town hall in Chico, California, on Monday. Tensions ran so high that LaMalfa, who was reportedly holding his first in-person forum in close to eight years, was repeatedly called a 'liar' when doing his utmost to justify the president's policies. LaMalfa joins a growing cast of GOP politicians who have been given a raucous reception when meeting voters. Earlier this month, Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) was heckled relentlessly when confronted over Medicaid cuts, the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, and ICE detentions. PBS / Via LaMalfa, who represents a large rural area of Northern California, held the town hall despite GOP top brass ordering an end to in-person events because of the rise of so-called 'professional protesters.' A major flashpoint in Chico came when a constituent asked LaMalfa, 'Why are you part of this movement toward fascism?' After LaMalfa asked him to 'stop right there,' the constituent continued with his actual question. He went on: 'If you're not here to announce your resignation, why aren't you here to apologize to the farmers of the North State because of your support for the Trump tariffs?' 'Do you actually want to talk about something productive?' LaMalfa replied, before suggesting the inquiry was 'grandstanding.' Against a backdrop of jeering and a distinct cry of 'You're a loser, Doug,' the congressman outlined how farmers in India had undercut growers in the region, so someone needed to be 'bold enough' to take action on tariffs. 'You're a little loose with the word 'fascism' when there's plenty of it going on on the other side of the aisle,' LaMalfa added, without giving details on the Democratic Party., LaMalfa was also drowned out by boos when delivering the standard Republican line about eliminating 'waste and fraud' to justify cutting Medicaid. GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa held a town hall — and was drowned out by an uproar of boos from constituents. When he tried to bring up Medicaid a constituent shouted: "YOU CUT OUR HEALTH CARE" — More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) August 11, 2025 @MorePerfectUS / Via Twitter: @MorePerfectUS 'We don't want anybody to be harmed by this effort,' he said. 'Indeed, we want the focus to be on those folks that actually do qualify. And that will be a bigger win for them.' 'You liar!' was one audible response among the dissonance. Also at the town hall, an attendee who said their parents were Holocaust survivors compared Japanese internment camps of World War II to ICE raids and deportations under Trump. 'Will the name LaMalfa be mentioned in the same sentence as [Hitler's propaganda chief Joseph] Goebbels, [Nazi physician Josef] Mengele, and Trump?' the constituent asked. 'I predict no,' LaMalfa replied.
