Fact check: How often has California redistricted

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, California typically redistricts once every decade following the U.S. Census ^[1]. The state established a bipartisan citizen commission that draws new maps to ensure each congressional district has roughly equal population, with the most recent redistricting completed in 2021 ^[1].

California voters transferred the power to draw congressional lines from politicians to a bipartisan citizen commission in 2010 ^[1], with sources indicating this independent redistricting commission was created nearly two decades ago ^[2]. The commission was specifically established to take redistricting power away from politicians and give it to citizens ^[3].

However, the current political landscape shows that redistricting can occur more frequently than the standard decennial cycle. As explained by Doug Spencer: "The laws about redistricting just say you have to redistrict after every census... And then some state legislatures got a little clever and said, 'Well it doesn't say we can't do it more'" ^[4]. This indicates there is no national impediment to a state redrawing districts in the middle of the decade ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial context about California's current extraordinary redistricting effort led by Governor Gavin Newsom. This represents a significant departure from the normal decennial cycle, as Newsom is pushing for a redistricting plan that could temporarily override the commission and create districts more favorable to Democrats until after the 2030 Census ^[1].

This current redistricting effort is specifically a response to Texas' redistricting moves, with Newsom pushing for a plan to offset a Texas gerrymander ^[5] and add more Democratic seats in the state ^[6]. The timing is politically motivated, as it responds to President Donald Trump's request to Texas to send more Republicans to Congress ^[7].

Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Newsom's approach, calling it a "responsible approach" to GOP tactics ^[6]. However, California Republicans have asked the state Supreme Court to pause the Democratic redistricting push ^[2], indicating significant political opposition.

The process faces practical challenges, including the need for counties to prepare for elections with limited notice and potential financial burden on local budgets ^[8].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual, seeking information about redistricting frequency. However, it omits the critical context of California's current unprecedented mid-decade redistricting effort, which represents a major political development that significantly impacts the answer.

The question's simplicity could inadvertently obscure the complex political dynamics currently at play, where powerful Democratic leaders like Gavin Newsom and Barack Obama benefit from pushing a narrative that justifies extraordinary redistricting measures as responses to Republican tactics ^{[6] [1]}.

By not acknowledging the current political battle between California and Texas over congressional representation, the question fails to capture that redistricting frequency has become a strategic political weapon rather than just a routine administrative process following census data.