California is facing a significant decline in its congressional representation, projected to lose four seats by the 2030 Census, due to slow population growth. This marks only the second time California has lost representation since it became a state. According to new data from the US Census Bureau, the state experienced a net loss of 229,077 people between July 2024 and July 2025, with the majority moving to neighboring states such as Texas, Nevada, Arizona, and Washington.
The slowdown in US population growth is attributed to a decline in net international migration, which dropped from 2.7 million to 1.3 million during this period. This decrease, combined with relatively stable birth rates and death rates, has resulted in a 0.5% growth rate for 2025 – the nation's slowest since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact is being felt nationwide, with all four census regions experiencing slower population growth or accelerated decline. California's loss of representation will significantly affect its congressional delegation from 52 to 48 seats. This shift is largely due to California's historically high immigration rates, which have declined in recent years under President Trump's policies.
Texas and Florida are expected to gain four congressional seats each if the trends hold, while other states may also experience changes in their representation. The reapportionment process, triggered by the Census Bureau's estimates, will determine the new congressional map for each state, taking into account shifts in population size and demographics.
The slowdown in US population growth is attributed to a decline in net international migration, which dropped from 2.7 million to 1.3 million during this period. This decrease, combined with relatively stable birth rates and death rates, has resulted in a 0.5% growth rate for 2025 – the nation's slowest since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impact is being felt nationwide, with all four census regions experiencing slower population growth or accelerated decline. California's loss of representation will significantly affect its congressional delegation from 52 to 48 seats. This shift is largely due to California's historically high immigration rates, which have declined in recent years under President Trump's policies.
Texas and Florida are expected to gain four congressional seats each if the trends hold, while other states may also experience changes in their representation. The reapportionment process, triggered by the Census Bureau's estimates, will determine the new congressional map for each state, taking into account shifts in population size and demographics.
it's crazy to think that they're losing seats in congress 
because of slow growth, I mean, i get it, the country is changing but 229k people moving out is wild! 
and texas and florida are gonna benefit from this? like, isn't that just a transfer of power? 
i'm all about layout and structure, so when i see a state losing representation, my brain gets all wonky 
California is gonna be a bit of a sore spot in the US poltics scene 
... I mean, it's not like they're losing their cool or anything 
. But seriously, 4 seats down from 52? That's a biggie 
. It's like, what happened to all those people who left for Texas and Nevada? 
I guess the slow growth is just having an impact on everyone, including Cali 
. The good news is that other states like TX and FL might get some extra reps 
... but still, it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out 
. Maybe they'll find a way to boost those numbers again? 
I'm not surprised to see Cali losing reps. It's been happening for ages. All these people leaving for greener pastures (or more expensive ones) is a sign of something deeper going on. Like, what happened to the whole "California dream" vibe? 
like what even happened to all those people who moved out? did they all become super rich or something? 
anyone else think we're gonna see more states losin' reps as the years go on? 
what's happenin to america?!
). But, at the same time, it's weird to think about Texas and Florida gaining seats... I guess it just goes to show that every state is affected by population shifts 
.
Anyway, gotta keep an eye on this - it'll be interesting to see how all these changes impact our country 
. and texas and florida getting more reps? that's just a reminder that other states have awesome stuff too 
I mean, slow population growth is one thing, but when you're losing 229,000 people to neighboring states, that's a big deal. It's like the Golden State is slowly fading into the background.
. And let's be real, California's loss of representation from 52 to 48 seats is a major blow 
️. But what's even more interesting is how this trend is going to affect other states like Texas and Florida 
, not just for California but also for the entire US. It's time to rethink our approach to immigration policies, birth rates, and death rates 
. Maybe it's time to reevaluate what we want California (and other states) to become – a hub of innovation or just another coastal state? 
i mean i get it the country is slowing down but like seriously? texas and florida are gonna be like yay more reps for us