LOS ANGELES, CA — California voters on Tuesday approved Proposition 50, a ballot measure granting the Democratic-led Legislature authority to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, suspending the state’s independent redistricting commission. The measure, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in August, is expected to give Democrats as many as five additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 elections.
Supporters, led by Newsom and backed by former President Barack Obama, raised more than $120 million for the campaign, calling the measure a necessary response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas and other GOP-led states. “If Democrats win the House majority, they can end Donald Trump’s presidency as we know it,” Newsom said during a post-election press conference in Sacramento.
Opponents, including former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and philanthropist Charles Munger Jr., denounced the measure as “gerrymandering in disguise.” They argued it undermines the independent process Californians voted to establish in 2010.
Republican incumbents Ken Calvert, Darrell Issa, Kevin Kiley, and Doug LaMalfa now face uncertain reelection prospects as new district boundaries could favor Democratic challengers through 2030.
The Associated Press called the race shortly after polls closed, reporting strong early support for the measure. About 70% of voters cited congressional control as “very important,” according to the AP Voter Poll.
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