California has once again turned into a political battlefield for the Democrats and Republicans. And a new congressional map has added to the challenge in the upcoming midterm elections this year. California, the most populous state in the US, has lost a congressional seat in the House of Representatives. 

The 10-year census noted that California has had a decline in population growth, triggering a redistribution of congressional districts. The state now has 52 congressional districts.

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The new map has blown open the competition between the Democrats and Republicans in the historically left-leaning state. The new district lines could create as many as 10 competitive seats in the future elections.

The new districts are likely to benefit the Democrats as three of the most competitive seats in California are currently occupied by Republican lawmakers, CNN reported.

The demographic spinoff

The demography of the new congressional district could change the voting pattern of the state. The Hispanic community became the largest racial or ethnic group in California after the 2020 census.

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Here is the complete demographic breakdown of California’s congressional districts:

-There were 15 districts in California that had a Hispanic majority. The number is now up by three.

-Two white-majority districts were added in California after the recent census. There are now 12 such congressional districts.

-Congressional districts with an Asian-American majority remain the same. There is one such district.

-Before the 2020 census, there were 27 districts in California that had no ethnic or racial majority. Now, 21 such districts remain.

A lot already hangs in balance for both Democrats and Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. Los Angeles is also set to get its new mayor after Eric Garcetti reaches his term limit this year.