CA State Sen Cervantes Touts Redistricting, Vows CA Won't 'Bend The Knee To Authoritarian Demands'

Forbes Breaking News

California State Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D) spoke in support of the State's redistricting effort as a response to President Donald Trump and Republicans efforts to get new Congressional districts in Texas.

Transcript

00:00Good morning, everyone, it's a pleasure to welcome you all here today.

00:04I am Senator Sabrina Cervantes, proud to serve as Chair of the Senate Elections Committee on Constitutional Amendments.

00:12I want to begin by recognizing that we have many new faces in the room today.

00:19And that this hearing may be one of the most widely broadcasted hearings in this committee in decades.

00:27The eyes of the nation are on California, and rightfully so.

00:32We are in a defining moment, a time of choosing.

00:37If California does not push back against President Trump's attacks to rig our elections through partisan gerrymandering in states like Texas,

00:48we risk losing one of the most fundamental pillars of our system.

00:54The right of every community to fair representation.

00:57Unlike Governor Abbott, California will not bend the knee to authoritarian demands.

01:03We will not allow red states to strip seats in Congress, and

01:07we will not stand silent while the communities we represent are robbed of their voices.

01:14Let me be clear, California is not acting unilaterally.

01:20This legislative package is a response, a safeguard.

01:24Only if Texas and other states move first to withdraw their maps for partisanship gain.

01:32Now, I know some will raise the question of whether these maps should be drawn now or later.

01:38That debate has been at the center of discussion for the past month.

01:41Here is the reality, there is only one responsible way to do redistricting in this moment.

01:49And that is to be fully transparent with the people of California.

01:53Unlike other states, we have put these maps on public display for

01:57everyone to see months before the election.

02:01Voters will have the chance to review them and ultimately decide at the ballot box whether they should be used.

02:08If Texas and other states follow, the president's demands for more seats.

02:14This is the most transparent process in the nation.

02:17Drawing maps later, after the election, would mean little to no transparency and

02:23no direct voter approval.

02:26Let me be clear, drawing maps later simply does not work with the election calendar.

02:33Anyone suggesting otherwise either hasn't looked at the deadlines or isn't being honest.

02:40Do we really want to delay the June primaries to September?

02:44Do we really want voters not knowing their candidate options?

02:50Our responsibility is to ensure that California stands as a firewall against the abuse of power.

02:57At the end of the day, our system of government is only as strong as our willingness to defend it.

03:04And today, that defense depends on us.

03:08With that, I want to thank everyone for attending today's hearing.

03:12We will now begin with the first file item, ACA 8, Senator Cabaldon.

03:17Please approach.

Category

Transcript

Be the first to comment

Recommended