“California No Different from North Korea”: Steven Choi Slams Redistricting Referendum

A controversial California federal congressional redistricting referendum will appear on the ballot in November 2025. Steven Choi, a Republican member of the California State Senate and vice chair of the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee, sharply criticized Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic Party for forcing the measure forward.

In an interview on August 22, 2025, Choi denounced the process as partisan, flawed, and lacking public input.

Q: The referendum has passed the legislature and will be on the ballot. What is your view?

Steven Choi: This referendum is not a decision made for California residents. It is political retaliation against Texas. Democrats say, “What’s wrong with asking voters through a referendum?” But in truth, they are shifting responsibility onto the people. The measure was rushed through with many procedural flaws.

Q: What kinds of flaws are you referring to?

Choi: The redistricting proposal was written solely by Democrats, without any consultation with Republicans. Even Democratic lawmakers cannot clearly explain who actually redrew the districts. They simply drew them arbitrarily and are now asking for a yes-or-no vote. That’s no different from North Korea.

There were no public hearings. Normally, the independent redistricting commission gathers input from residents through hearings. This time, voters were completely excluded from the process.

Q: What concerns do you have about the referendum going before voters?

Choi: Most voters don’t fully understand the details of redistricting. In this situation, many may simply vote along party lines to support Democrats.

I’m also concerned that Democrats will confuse voters with the ballot title. The measure should be called the Redistricting Congressional District Act, but they want to present it as the Retaining Independent Redistricting Commission Act. Many people only look at the title when voting, and that wording could mislead them.

Q: How will Republicans respond?

Choi: We will focus on educating voters about the flaws in the redistricting process and how the measure was pushed through the California Legislature. We will use social media and other outreach to make sure the facts are clear. A tense political battle is expected as we head toward November 2025.

BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]