John, I'm writing with an update on Common Cause's work to ensure a free and fair 2026 election in the face of Trump's authoritarianism – and the action we’re taking in response to mid-decade redistricting in Texas, California, and other states.

Ever since President Trump set off this race to the bottom by ordering Texas Republicans to add 5 GOP districts to the state's already-unfair voting maps, our team has been working around the clock to defend the people's voice.

Last week, our redistricting experts released a rigorous set of fairness criteria for any new mid-decade redistricting plan so we could focus on the most urgent threats to fair representation – and at least in California, state leaders listened to Common Cause.  

So today, we're announcing that under the first use of our new criteria: California's plan passes, and Texas's fails. [1]

That means we’re spending our limited time and resources on our continued fight in Texas. Lawmakers who bravely left the state to deny the Texas GOP a quorum have returned – forced to accept a law enforcement escort or be trapped in the Capitol building, despite violating no laws. [2]

Common Cause Texas is rallying to speak out. We’re holding "Stop The Trump Takeover" events and making sure there's a constant crowd outside the Capitol building and inside the gallery – to stop these politicians from ripping away our rights behind closed doors.

Unfortunately, Texas political experts now believe the GOP will be able to ram through this new map by the end of the week.  

That means California will move its maps forward – and because California Democrats listened to Common Cause and complied with all of our fairness criteria, we will not oppose their efforts.

Remember – we’re going all in on this fight because President Trump and his MAGA base realize that if they have to defend their cruel and destructive agenda in a free and fair 2026 election, they’re doomed.

But instead of trying to convince voters, or changing their unpopular policies, they’re trying to throw out democracy itself. It won’t stop in Texas either – MAGA is already threatening to primary Indiana Republicans who won’t gerrymander. [3] Your state, your rights, and your vote could be next.

John, America is teetering on the edge between dictatorship and democracy. While far too many leaders in both parties are failing to meet the moment – we're organizing to force their attention and demand action.

So if you agree with Common Cause that it’s time to go all out to protect our voice in our future, John, there’s no better time or way to show it than with a contribution of $5 – or whatever you can afford – today >>

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Once again, Common Cause is leading a grassroots movement – confronting politicians who want to seize power they haven’t earned. And once again, how far we’re able to go will depend on your action and your support. I know you won’t let us down.

Thanks for all you do,

The team at Common Cause

[1] https://www.commoncause.org/press/california-meets-texas-fails-to-meet-common-causes-redistricting-fairness-criteria/
[2] https://www.commondreams.org/news/nicole-collier-locked-in-capitol
[3] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/18/indiana-republican-redistricting-trump-primary-00513609